Hong Kong athletes faced numerous challenges in 2022/23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many key international events that were initially slated for 2022 were postponed by one year to 2023, most notably the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, both held in Hangzhou, and the Chengdu 2021 FISU Summer World University Games. Despite these hurdles, Hong Kong athletes were undeterred and showcased their unwavering determination and indomitable spirit by excelling in international competition.
During the year, Hong Kong athletes achieved remarkable success at both the World Championships and Asian Championships, netting a total of 141 medals. Hong Kong athletes demonstrated their exceptional talent, with many ranking among the world’s finest and attaining unprecedented results. Fencer Cheung Ka-long claimed the top spot in the men's foil individual world ranking, and went on to become the first Hong Kong male fencer to win a medal at the World Fencing Championships, while Siobhan Haughey defended her women's 200m freestyle title at the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m). Other athletes have had equally impressive results. Boccia athletes Yeung Hiu-lam and Ho Yuen-kei achieved first place in the women's BC2 and BC3 individual world rankings respectively, while Chu Man-kai secured Hong Kong's inaugural men's singles championship at the Para Badminton World Championships, subsequently becoming the world's number one in the men's SH6 singles. We look forward to witnessing their brilliance once again in upcoming multi-sports games and international competitions.
The continuous backing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has helped make these historic performances possible. Most notably, we anticipate completion of the construction of a new facilities building, funded by the HKSAR Government, in 2024. A Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was held in June 2022, symbolising a significant milestone in the advancement of Hong Kong's elite sports. Furthermore, 17 projects under the Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme (SRFS) have been approved, in a collective effort between the HKSAR Government and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, which aims to enhance collaboration between the HKSI, universities, and other professional organisations to foster research in sports science and sports medicine. This in turn will help athletes better prepare and excel in major international sporting events. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the HKSAR Government and The Hong Kong Jockey Club for their invaluable support.
In addition, the HKSI continued to work closely with peers and scientific research institutions around the world to maintain its leading position in the development of global elite sports. During the year, the HKSI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, and co-founded the HKUST – HKSI Joint Center for Sports Science and Technology with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The HKSI also hosted the 6th Annual Congress of the Association of Sports Institutes in Asia (ASIA), inviting local and international peers to exchange ideas on the latest developments and challenges in elite sports in order to assist athletes in improving all aspects of their performance to succeed in international competition.
In the area of educational support to athletes, the HKSI continued to maintain close partnerships with tertiary institutions to facilitate the development of elite athletes in both their training and academic pursuits. The past year has seen significant strides in this field, including the renewal of the MOU with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to enhance admission and flexible learning arrangements for elite athletes. The Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme initiated by the University Grants Committee (UGC) in 2022 has also yielded remarkable outcomes, with nearly 50 elite athletes possessing exceptional sporting achievements granted direct admission to UGC-funded universities during the reporting year. This significant achievement attracts talented young individuals to join the ranks of elite athletes and offers invaluable opportunities for growth and development.
The HKSI remains committed to strengthening our community engagement and promoting the benefits of elite sports to the public. In 2022/23, the 30th Anniversary Roving Exhibition was held in three shopping malls over a six-week period, providing members of the public with unique insight into the work of the HKSI and celebrating the impressive accomplishments of Hong Kong elite athletes over the past 30 years. The exhibition received an enthusiastic response, drawing over 300,000 visitors. The HKSI also hosted the 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, bringing together stakeholders from various backgrounds to commemorate the outstanding achievements of the HKSI over the past three decades.
As an HKSI Board member since 2009, and Chairman for the past six years, I have had the privilege of witnessing many significant milestones for the HKSI. These include outstanding results in elite sports training, leading to incredible achievements by athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the construction of a new facilities building, and the rapid development of sports science and sports medicine research, while signing of MOUs with tertiary institutions to promote dual career pathways for elite athletes.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee; the National Sports Associations; the education sector; our many sponsors and cooperative organisations; the community; and the media for their persistent support and collaboration. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Board, management team, coaches, and staff of the HKSI for their dedication in helping athletes achieve remarkable heights.
Under the leadership of Mr Tang King-shing, the new Chairman of the Institute, and the Board, I am confident that Hong Kong's elite sports will continue to thrive and that elite athletes will continue to shine in the international sporting arena.
Dr Lam Tai-fai GBS JP
Chairman, Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited