Hong Kong’s men’s foil team etched their name into the city’s sporting history on Tuesday by clinching the territory’s first-ever fencing gold medal at the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China.
In a commanding performance at Kai Tak Sports Park, the quartet of Olympic champion Edgar Cheung Ka-long, world champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin, Leung Chin-yu, and Lawrence Ng Lok-wang defeated Fujian 45-34 in the team foil final.
The Hong Kong fencers seized the initiative early, edging ahead 15-13 after the first three relays. They never relinquished control, steadily extending their lead to nine points before sealing a convincing 45-34 victory.
The breakthrough triumph marks the first time a Hong Kong fencing team has topped the podium at the National Games.
Several senior government officials turned out in force to support the team. Among those cheering from the stands were Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin, and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen.
Housing Secretary Winnie Ho later described the group as the “best cheerleading team”, revealing on social media that despite packed schedules, the bureau chiefs made time to shout “Go Hong Kong team!” with full enthusiasm.
Ho praised the fencers for maintaining focus against a Fujian side that had previously beaten them, highlighting their strong mental resilience and effective tactical adjustments. She congratulated the team and thanked Fujian for a thrilling contest.
Under the Hong Kong Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, the gold-medal-winning team will share a cash award of HK$1.5 million.
The historic victory adds another glittering chapter to Hong Kong fencing’s recent golden era, spearheaded by Olympic and world champions Edgar Cheung and Ryan Choi.