News

Following the strong performance of the Hong Kong delegation at the 17^th Asian Games (AG) in Incheon, Korea, the Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (Scheme) will present a total of HK$9.5 million in cash rewards to local medallists.

The Hong Kong team returned home with the largest-ever medal haul of 42 medals including 6 gold, 12 silver and 24 bronze, with gymnast Shek Wai-hung and rower Lok Kwan-hoi winning the historic first gold medals in their respective sports.  To recognise and reward this remarkable achievement, the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and Hang Seng Bank will give out cash incentives totalling HK$9.5 million to 87 Hong Kong medallists in 16 sports.  Among the medal winners, cyclist Lee Wai-sze will receive the highest individual cash incentive – HK$800,000 – after winning two gold medals at the Games.  The rowing team will receive the highest amount of HK$1.6 million for their distinguished performance.  A ceremony to present the athletes with their cash awards will be held on 22 October at the HKSI.

Mr Carlson Tong SBS JP, Chairman of the HKSI, expressed his admiration for the athletes for their dedication and contribution to Hong Kong: “This is the largest team Hong Kong has ever sent to the AG clearly indicating that more and more athletes are reaching international standard through total dedication and hard work.  I would like to congratulate and thank every one of the athletes and the support team for representing Hong Kong in the AG.  I am even more impressed when I see our Hong Kong SAR flag flying high at the stadium, because I know the sacrifice and the very demanding training behind every medal win.  There are many obstacles on the road to victory, but the athletes persevere and never give up.  Their determination makes them role models to young athletes and everyone in Hong Kong.  On behalf of every Hong Kong citizen and the HKSI, I would like to congratulate the team for their achievement!”

Ms Rose Lee JP, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said: “As part of the Hong Kong community, Hang Seng is extremely proud of the remarkable achievements of our local athletes at this year's AG.  I wish to express our heartfelt congratulations to the entire Hong Kong delegation for working hard and giving their best at the Games.  The outstanding results of our star athletes will inspire their peers to strive for greater success.”

Initiated by the HKSI in 1994, the Scheme has been sponsored by Hang Seng since 1996.  The Scheme provides cash incentives to Hong Kong athletes who achieve outstanding performances at the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and the National Games.  The Scheme was expanded in 2005 to include medallists at the East Asian Games and, in 2010, medallists at the AG and the Asian Para Games, to further support the development of local sports.  Since 1996, the Scheme has given out over HK$42 million to 433 top-performing local athletes.

Cash incentives table has been updated with an additional bronze medal in swimming - Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay event (announced by Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China in June 2015):

Table of Cash Incentives Awarded to Hong Kong medallists at the 17th AG (PDF)