HKU Celebrates University Athletes’ Exceptional Performance in 2023 Asian Games, Asian Para Games, and World University Games
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) held a celebratory event on November 17 at University Lodge to honour HKU athletes and alumni for their remarkable achievements in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou in September and October, as well as the World University Games held in Chengdu in August.
Over 30 HKU athletes participated in these events, securing an impressive tally of 3 gold, 2 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Notable achievements include Choi Chun Yin Ryan’s bronze medals in both the Individual and Team Men’s Foil events at the Asian Games and his gold medal in the Team event and bronze medal in the individual event at the World University Games; Wong Yue Ching Joelle’s bronze medal in the Asian Para Games Table Tennis Women’s Doubles; Charlotte Emily Hall and Bailee Briana Brown’s bronze in the Asian Games Triathlon Mixed Relay; and Ko Shing Hei’s bronze in the Men’s Singles Badminton at the World University Games.
HKU alumni also delivered outstanding performances in these competitions, with fencer Chu Ka Mong Moonie winning a silver medal in the Women’s Team épée event at the Asian Games, bridge players Lai Wai Kit and Joyce Tung earning gold and bronze in the Men’s and Women’s Team events, respectively, and rugby player Lee Ka To Cado successfully defending Hong Kong’s gold medal in the Men’s Rugby Sevens at the Asian Games.
During the celebration Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU and Mr. Yeung Tak Keung, Head of National Games Coordination Office and former Commissioner for Sports, presented commendations to the HKU athletes, acknowledging their exceptional performances.
Professor Zhang praised the student-athletes for their perseverance and determination, stating their pursuit of excellence in competition serves as an inspiration to the entire HKU community, and their extraordinary achievements make Hong Kong proud.”
Professor Zhang also emphasized HKU’s commitment to supporting student-athletes to devote in training and fulfill educational aspirations at the same time, with the future sports complex at Pokfulam Campus set to be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will help HKU athletes continue to excel on behalf of Hong Kong.
As the first university in Hong Kong to offer an athlete scholarship program, HKU launched the “Sports Scholarship Scheme” in 1995 and remains dedicated to fostering the development of local sports talent. Since 2017, HKU has admitted 260 elite athletes and provides flexible learning arrangements and comprehensive support. Last year, HKU launched a new “Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme” to encourage more outstanding sports athletes to join the University, with competitive admissions mainly based on sports achievements.