News

Hong Kong skating athlete Lam Ching‑yan delivered the territory’s best‑ever result at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, finishing seventh in the women’s 1,500m short track speed skating event.

In recognition of her historic achievement, the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), in collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), organised the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (Scheme) Presentation Ceremony to honour Lam Ching-yan with a total of HK$375,000 in cash incentives. This also marked the first time since the launch of the Scheme that incentives had been presented to athletes competing in winter sports.

Officiating guests at the Ceremony included Miss Law Shuk-pui, Rosanna JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr Tam Chi-yuen, Raymond GBS JP, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of the HKJC; Dr Fok Tsun-ting, Timothy GBM GBS JP, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI. Held on the ice surface of an ice rink, the ceremony brought together members of the sports community, coaches, athletes and the public to celebrate this significant milestone.

Mr Tang King-shing expressed immense pride in the outstanding performance of Hong Kong athletes, “All four athletes of the Hong Kong, China Delegation competed with full commitment at the Games, demonstrating perseverance and determination in the face of world‑class competition. Lam Ching‑yan’s breakthrough is the result of years of dedication to training and competition, as well as her courage in overcoming injury during competitions. Her achievement also reflects the professionalism and unwavering support of the coaching and support teams.”

Mr Tang also expressed his sincere appreciation to the HKJC for its continued support of the Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme. Over the past three years, the Scheme has awarded more than HK$94.66 million in cash incentives, benefiting over 220 outstanding athletes across nine Major Multi‑sport Games. The HKSI also thanked the Government, the SF&OC, and the wider sports community for their longstanding support, and looks forward to continued encouragement for Hong Kong athletes as they pursue new breakthroughs on the international stage.

Mr Tam Chi-yuen, Raymond said Lam’s display of speed and determination not only set a new record for the Hong Kong, China team at the Winter Olympics, but also exemplified the perseverance and “can-do” spirit of Hong Kong athletes. He added that Lam’s achievement helps to raise public interest in winter sports, encouraging youngsters to participate and pursue their dreams. He also noted that over the past decade, the Club has contributed nearly HK$6.7 billion to support elite and community sports, and will continue to advance Hong Kong’s sports development for the betterment of society.

Competing at the Olympic Winter Games for the first time at just 19 years of age, skater Lam Ching-yan crossed the finish line seventh in the women’s 1,500m event, becoming the first Hong Kong athlete to qualify for a Winter Games short track speed skating final. She remarked, “It is a great honour to compete on the Olympic stage. Racing alongside world-class athletes was an invaluable experience, reinforcing my belief that one should never give up until the very last moment. I sincerely thank my coaches for their dedicated guidance and my family for their unconditional support. I am also grateful to the Government, the HKSI, the HKJC, the SF&OC and the community for their encouragement and support.”

Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme
Established by the HKSI in 1994, the Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme offers cash incentives to outstanding local athletes competing at Major Games, recognising their dedication and achievements.

In 2023, the HKJC once again supported the HKSI and jointly launched the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme for a three-year term. The Scheme provides financial incentives to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of local athletes competing at the Olympic Games, Olympic Winter Games, Paralympic Games, Paralympic Winter Games, World University Games, Winter World University Games, Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, Asian Para Games, National Games, National Winter Games and National Games for Persons with Disabilities. To date, the Scheme has granted more than HK$94.66 million, awarding over 220 outstanding athletes at nine Major Multi‑sport Games.