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In recognition of the outstanding performance of Hong Kong athletes at the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games (WUG), the HKSI, in collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), awarded a total of HK$3.75 million cash incentives to 17 medallists from five different sports.

Collecting 4 gold, 1 silver and 7 bronze medals, the Hong Kong team has earned a haul of 12 medals from the WUG, achieving a record-breaking success, with four gold medals coming from two sports –– wushu athlete Hui Tak-yan won the first gold for Hong Kong in the men’s taijijian event; fencer Hsieh Sin-yan captured another gold in the women’s epee individual event; another fencer Cheung Ka-long topped the podium in the men’s foil individual event, followed by another gold in the team event partnering with Choi Chun-yin, Lee Yat-long and Ng Lok-wang.

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Mr Joe Wong Chi-cho JP, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; Mr Anthony Ingham, Executive Director, Membership, Brand, Marketing and Experience of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Ms Mak Mee-chu, Chairperson of the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China; and Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI.

Mr Tang King-shing praised the exceptional performance of Hong Kong athletes at the WUG, saying, "With strong support from the HKSAR Government over the past years, the HKSI has collaborated with various tertiary institutions to assist elite athletes in dual career pathway by providing comprehensive support for them to balance between their sports training and academic pursuit. This year’s WUG was held in mainland China, and it was truly impressive and exciting to see the Hong Kong team achieving historic success at the Games. I am very grateful for the support of the Government, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and all parties in the local sports community. I hope that all of you will continue to rally behind our athletes as they take part in the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games."

Mr Anthony Ingham noted that the Club has been a staunch supporter of various sports initiatives for many years, and has identified "sports" as one of the strategic charitable focus areas. "We firmly believe in the potential that lies within each individual. But we recognise that talent alone is not enough. It needs nourishment, support and opportunities to flourish. That is why we wholeheartedly support the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, to help nurture and empower our athletes," Mr Anthony Ingham said at the ceremony. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes here today. The Jockey Club is privileged to be a part of your journey."

Wushu athlete Hui Tak-yan, who won 1 gold and 1 bronze at this year's WUG, said, "I am honoured to represent Hong Kong and have won the first gold medal for Hong Kong in the competition. I hope that all athletes cherish every opportunity to be a member of the Hong Kong team, enjoy every bit of the training and competition process, and always remember the pure joy sports bring you. I would also like to thank my team and respective parties for the trust and support along the way."

Fencer Hsieh Sin-yan, who won the first gold for the Hong Kong fencing team at the WUG, shared, "I kept reminding myself to stay calm in the quarter-final of the women’s epee individual event. I fought for victory one point at a time, and I am very glad that my persistence pays off. Winning a gold medal really brought great cheer to me, and the cash incentives offered by the HKJC is a recognition of the hard work and dedication that I and every athlete put in over the years. In the coming year, I will focus on my training for the qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."

Established by the HKSI in 1994, the Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme provides cash incentives to local medallists at various Major Games, with an aim to show recognition and appreciation to their hard work and dedication. The HKJC continues to support the HKSI and extend its sponsorship for the "Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme" (the Scheme) for three years, starting from 2023. The Scheme offers cash incentives to Hong Kong medallists at seven Major Games, namely the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, National Games, National Paralympic Games and World University Games; and cash incentives will also be given to athletes who have won the fourth to the eighth places at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The list of awarded athletes at the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games can be viewed and downloaded here.