Home comforts for Hong Kong athletes(2)

Leveling up

Many athletes in the Hong Kong delegation are amateurs who hold down day jobs. Winning medals is, therefore, often an unrealistic goal, but the opportunity to participate in the National Games is still precious to them.

Kong Chun-ki, a PE teacher from Hong Kong, made her debut at the Games in Xi'an, competing in the women's 100m sprint, where she failed to progress from the qualifying round.

"This is my first National Games and it's a dream come true for me to compete with the nation's top sprinters," said Kong.

"We are not that competitive compared to our opponents. But we are so excited to attend such a high-level event. Being able to participate in the National Games is the most important thing for us."

Another Hong Kong sprinter, Lee Hau-yi, concurred.

"Our rivals are all very competitive, and they are streaks ahead of us. For me, just to find and maintain my pace on the track is enough," said Lee.

"I only participated in the national youth championship in 2019 before. So I really want to have more opportunities to participate in more high-level tournaments like the National Games in the future. That's how I can level up."

In addition to the obvious athletic benefits, the Games are also culturally enriching, according to Hong Kong delegation chief Cheng.

"Due to the pandemic, it's not easy for Hong Kong athletes to compete with elite athletes across the nation. So this feeling of reunion is great," Cheng told Xinhua.

"I always tell the young athletes in Hong Kong to travel to other provinces and cities in the Chinese mainland. I know they now watch a lot of reality shows from the Chinese mainland, but they need to actually feel the development of our country. More communication would bring them an even greater sense of pride in being Chinese."

Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong province will co-host the 15th National Games in 2025, which Cheng rates as a huge boost to the Greater Bay Area.

"I'm thrilled to know that we are going to co-host the next National Games. This year the National Games are being staged in Shaanxi province, which is the first station of the Belt and Road Initiative. Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are like the southern gate of our nation," Cheng added.

"The Greater Bay Area is full of opportunities. The next National Games will only unite us more and also boost the development of the Greater Bay Area. I think it's a gift that the nation gives to us.

"Also the organizational work at this National Games in Shaanxi has been of an extremely high standard, the same level as an international tournament, in fact. So there are many things for us to learn here."