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In recognition of the remarkable performance of Hong Kong athletes at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games, the HKSI, in collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), presented a total of HK$2.35 million in cash incentives to medal-winning athletes during the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games Celebration Dinner cum Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme Presentation Ceremony.

Officiating guests at the Ceremony included Dr Sze Chun-fai, Jeff JP, Under Secretary for Education; Mr Tsoi Kin-pan, George JP, Commissioner for Sports of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; Mr Tam Chi-yuen, Raymond GBS JP, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of the HKJC; Hon Fok Tsun-ting, Timothy GBM GBS JP, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Mr Hau Yiu-chung, William, Council Chairman of the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China; and Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI. Members of the sports community, tertiary institutions, coaches and athletes gathered to celebrate the success.

The Hong Kong, China Delegation earned a haul of seven medals, comprising 2 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze, across three sports. Cash incentives were awarded to nine medallists for their outstanding performances. Fencer Hsieh Sin-yan opened Hong Kong’s medal tally, successfully defending her title in the women’s epee individual event and becoming the first Hong Kong athlete to top the podium at two consecutive Games. Momentum continued to build as table tennis men’s duo Chan Ho-wah and Yiu Kwan-to deliver a landmark performance, clinching Hong Kong’s first-ever gold medal in the sport at World University Games.

Mr Tang King-shing said “To excel at a Games of such high calibre is a testament to the athletes’ dedication, the meticulous guidance of their coaching teams, and the unwavering support of the officials and staff of the delegation. Thanks to the Government’s sustained backing of the HKSI and our collaboration with tertiary institutions to enable elite athletes to pursue dual career pathway. The HKSI also extends its sincere appreciation to the HKJC for its steadfast support of elite sports in Hong Kong, providing athletes with both recognition and encouragement.”

Mr Tam Chi-yuen, Raymond praised the Hong Kong, China delegation for excelling at this year’s World University Games. He said the athletes gave their all during the Games to showcase Hong Kong’s spirit of resilience and determination, making its citizens proud and infusing society with positive energy. He stressed the Club would continue to advance sports development both in Hong Kong and nationally, including supporting the upcoming National Games and promoting sports participation in the community.

Successfully defending her title, fencer Hsieh Sin-yan shared, “The Games experience has strengthened my commitment to fencing. Every bout on this stage was both a challenge and a source of motivation. Every drop of sweat fuels my ambitions. I am grateful to the HKJC for the incentives, which is meaningful recognition of the years of hard work we athletes put in. I will continue striving for excellence and giving my all in the lead-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.”

Table tennis men’s doubles champions Chan Ho-wah and Yiu Kwan-to expressed their pride, “We are honoured to represent Hong Kong and to bring home the city’s first table tennis gold at the Games.” The pair credited their success to mutual trust and encouragement throughout the competition, as well as the dedicated guidance from their coaches and the expert care of the medical team. They added, “This medal is the result of collective effort. Special thanks to the HKJC for supporting athletes. We will keep striving for more medals for Hong Kong.”

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, Winter Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Winter Paralympic 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, nearly HK$76 million has been awarded.