China’s National Games marked a historic milestone this year: for the first time since the event’s inception in 1959, competitions were held throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area – a clear sign of the region’s increasing connectivity and spirit of cooperation. Hong Kong achieved its highest medal tally, with nine golds, two silvers and eight bronzes, fostering pride in a city discovering a new level of confidence through sport.
Behind every medal lies a personal story of discipline and sacrifice. Among our many athletes, cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing made history with three individual gold medals, while swimming star Siobhan Haughey added another four medals to her illustrious career. The rugby sevens men’s team claimed gold after a dramatic final, and sailor Nicholas Bezy Halliday secured Hong Kong’s first-ever National Games sailing title.
The victories reflect years of perseverance, many sacrifices and the unwavering support of family, friends and all those who champion an elite athlete. For every medallist, the dedication exhibited by their fellow competitors is equally admirable.
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The men’s handball team, for example, didn’t reach the podium – finishing fourth – but they earned a place in Hong Kong’s hearts. Competing against professional teams, they played with courage, camaraderie and genuine joy. They showed that all participants are victors in their own right, as it takes strength and sacrifice to compete at this level.
That same pride was evident when Hong Kong’s footballers faced Singapore in their Asian Cup qualifier at Kai Tak Stadium. Over 47,000 fans filled the stadium. Despite a 2–1 defeat, the match showed renewed belief that sport can unite across generations and backgrounds.
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The match also highlighted sport’s fragile balance between passion and tension. After Singapore’s qualification win, a leaked locker room video showed a minister using disparaging language about Hong Kong’s fans and players. What began as private exuberance became a public embarrassment, prompting an apology and renewed calls for humility in victory and respect in defeat.
