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The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) announced today (Wednesday) that Dr Chung Pak-kwong assumes the post of Chief Executive with effect from 1 April 2005.

The appointment came after the Government had introduced a new structure for sports in Hong Kong in 2004, dissolving the then Hong Kong Sports Development Board (HKSDB) and reconstituting the HKSI to focus its role on elite training programmes.

An associate professor at the Hong Kong Baptist University before joining the then HKSDB in 1998 as Director of Elite Training, Dr Chung has been overseeing the development of elite sports in Hong Kong over the last 6 years.

"I'm delighted to have been appointed the post," said Dr Chung, who was the Acting Chief Executive of the HKSI before taking up the new position and a well-known figure in the sports psychology and fitness fields. "It means more new challenges ahead and I hope my previous experience in elite training and sport science would lead Hong Kong's elite athletes to better achievements on the international stage."

"I would also express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors of the HKSI for offering me such an opportunity. The road ahead is not going to be easy, but with the support of the Board, my colleagues and other stakeholders in local sports, I am confident that we could accomplish the difficult task," he added.

Dr Chung said with increasing investment in elite sports from the Asian counterparts, he would foresee Hong Kong would be facing more hurdles in future. "We did exceptionally well at the Asian Games 1998 and 2002. However, it would be difficult to maintain the same degree of success for the next one in Doha in 2006 as more and more Asian countries are willing to increase their spending in elite sports. We will also face a stiff challenge at the forthcoming National Games in Nanjing where we will face the best athletes from all over China. After all, the East Asian Games in 2009 to be hosted by Hong Kong will certainly be another great occasion for Hong Kong's elite sport."

"The HKSI will continue to perform its role in nurturing Hong Kong's elite athletes, providing comprehensive support in coaching, scientific and social aspects to assist them in pursuit of sports excellence and all-rounded personal growth. We shall also maintain a close working relationship with the Home Affairs Bureau, Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, National Sports Associations, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and other stakeholders in Hong Kong and overseas, so that we all work towards the shared goal of moving Hong Kong's sport forward."

Victor Hui, Chairman of the HKSI, said Dr Chung was the best candidate for the latter's strong background in elite sports training and development.

"The post of Chief Executive is very important and it has taken us some time to identify the right candidate. Dr Chung has been the Director of Elite Training & Sports Development at the then HKSDB for more than six years and has profound knowledge and experience in high performance coaching and elite athletes development," said the Chairman.

"When he was the Acting Executive Director of the then HKSDB and Acting Chief Executive of the HKSI, his work in leading the staff of the HKSDB to the reconstituted HKSI during the transitional period has already demonstrated his capability in steering the coaching and management team. I am confident that Dr Chung would be able to meet the challenges ahead and bring Hong Kong's elite sport forward."