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HKSI and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (HKAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, solidifying their partnership and reinforcing their shared commitment to strengthening the sports medicine support for elite athletes.

Mr Tony Choi MH, Chief Executive of the HKSI and Prof Philip Li, Vice President (Education and Examinations) of the HKAM signed the MOU, under the witness of Mr Kevin Yeung GBS JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Prof Lo Chung-mau BBS JP, Secretary for Health, Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI and Prof Gilberto Leung, President of the HKAM.

Mr Tang King-shing said, “Hong Kong’s triumph in recent sporting events is attributed not only to the athletes’ perseverance and hard work, but also the dedicated efforts of the support teams, with sports medicine playing an indispensable role in the achievement. We are pleased to collaborate with HKAM in advancing athletic performance within a safe and scientific framework.”

Prof Gilberto Leung said, “The growing needs on sports and exercise medicine require specialised knowledge and cross-disciplinary support from different medical specialties. By means of capacity building and developing structured training courses in sports and exercise medicine, the Academy strives to enhance the professional skills of healthcare practitioners which would benefit athletes of all levels by providing advanced medical services to support their training, recovery, and performance in competitions. The Academy is aware that more people, from children to older individuals, are participating in sports activities and there is an increasing need for healthcare service in this area. Therefore, we are also developing training for a wider group of healthcare professionals to enhance their competency in sports prescription and in providing advice on injury prevention and help-seeking behaviour, aiming to enhance community-based primary care by improving general health and disease prevention.”

This strategic partnership aims to create a platform for professionals to exchange the latest advancements and best practices in sports medicine, enhancing the expertise of medical personnel. By incorporating these developments into training programmes, the partnership ultimately seeks to improve the quality of professional services offered to elite athletes and individuals in need of primary care.

Swimmer Siobhan Haughey underscored the vital role of nutrition in an athlete’s performance. She emphasised that regular health monitoring ensures that she maintains optimal physical condition, as athletes' nutritional needs can vary significantly based on their specific sports and training demands. Additionally, she highlighted how personalised meal plans during international competitions help meet her energy needs, particularly during critical events like the Olympic finals. 

Fencer Cheung Ka-long shared the importance of seeking immediate help from physiotherapists whenever he experiences muscle tightness or injury. This proactive approach ensures that he receives targeted treatment for quicker recovery. Acupuncture sessions after training aid relaxation and enhance muscle recovery, demonstrating how integrated therapies can optimise athletic performance.

Wushu athlete Mok Uen-Ying agreed with our sports psychologists that maintaining a calm state before and during competitions is essential. She was taught to use imagery, a technique where athletes visualise successful performances and positive outcomes. This mental rehearsal helps reduce anxiety and enhances focus, allowing her to create a mental blueprint of her actions.

Para Badminton athlete Chan Ho-yuen stated that the Sports Medicine Centre provides tailored treatment plans for athletes, particularly those dealing with long-term injuries. By focusing on individual needs and recovery objectives, the center helps athletes navigate their rehabilitation journey, facilitating a confident and resilient return to competition. He also mentioned that the Centre conducts annual physical examinations including blood and urine tests etc, and provides free flu vaccinations, ensuring comprehensive health monitoring and protection.

Head Rugby Coach Paul John emphasised the critical role of sports medicine in athlete safety and performance. He highlighted the importance of injury prevention which helps minimise risks and personalised rehabilitation plans are essential for effective recovery from injuries. Given that rugby athletes may suffer from head concussions which can lead to long-term health impacts, making early recognition significant. The shared decision-making between athletes and sports medicine team is essential for determining when it is safe for athletes to return to training and competition.

Based on the insights from Head Badminton Coach Wong Choong-hann, Chinese and Western medicine both significantly enhance athletic performance and recovery. He said, “Chinese medicine contributes through various methods such as acupuncture, manual therapy etc. Meanwhile, Western medicine focuses on injury diagnosis and rehabilitation using advanced technologies and evidence-based practices. The integration of both systems offers a holistic approach that combines the strengths of each.”

Fencing coach Gregory Koenig stated, “My role extends beyond just providing technical guidance, it also involves offering psychological support, which is crucial for mental health management in sports medicine. Cheung Ka-long's success is greatly supported by the dedicated efforts of the sports medicine team, which focuses on psychological support, injury prevention, and treatment. This comprehensive approach enables him to perform exceptionally well under pressure, ultimately leading to his two-time gold medal victory in the Olympic Games for Hong Kong.”

This MOU represents a significant step forward in advancing sports medicine in Hong Kong, ultimately aiming to enhance athletic performance while prioritizing the health and well-being of athletes. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier, more successful sporting community.