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Published: 16:03, September 27, 2021 | Updated: 23:24, September 27, 2021
Shaanxi hands National Games flag to Greater Bay Area leaders
By Wang Zhan and Chen Zimo
Published:16:03, September 27, 2021 Updated:23:24, September 27, 2021 By Wang Zhan and Chen Zimo

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (center) waves the flag of the National Games during the flag handover ceremony at the the closing ceremony of the 14th National Games in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, on Sept 27, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, together with the leaders of Guangdong and Macao, received the National Games flag on Monday evening, as Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao will jointly host the 15th National Games in 2025.

The flag handover ceremony was held during the closing ceremony of the 14th National Games in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. The Games were officially declared close by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

The National Games are a major sports event with the highest level and largest scale in the nation. The hosting of the event will significantly boost the promotion of sports development in Hong Kong.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Hong Kong's chief executive

The flag was passed by the Governor of Shaanxi Zhao Yide to Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, Gou Zhongwen, who then handed the flag to Lam, Governor of Guangdong Ma Xingrui and Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng - the three leaders representing the joint hosts of the next National Games.

"Sports carry the power of encouraging and uniting people. I am grateful for the trust and support of the Central Government, allowing Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao to host the 15th National Games together," Lam was quoted as saying in a statement.

"The National Games are a major sports event with the highest level and largest scale in the nation. The hosting of the event will significantly boost the promotion of sports development in Hong Kong," Lam added.

The Hong Kong government will work closely with the central authorities, the Guangdong provincial government and the Macao government to carry out the preparatory work for the 15th National Games, Lam said.

(From left) Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Governor of Guandong province Ma Xingrui, Director of the General Administration of Sport of China Gou Zhongwen and Governor of Shaanxi Zhao Yide pose for photos during the flag handover ceremony at the closing ceremony of the 14th National Games in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, Sept 27, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The Hong Kong delegation has bagged two gold and five bronze medals at this year's National Games held in Northwest China's Shaanxi province from Sept 15 to 27. A total of 169 Hong Kong athletes were sent to compete in 18 sports out of a total of 35. This year was the seventh time for the city to take part in the national sports competition.

ALSO READ: Cyclist Lee Sze-wing wins gold at 14th National Games

Monday is also the last day of Lam's weeklong visit to three mainland cities since Wednesday. She has been to Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi'an.

Arriving in Xi'an on Sunday, Lam met with Zhao and expressed hopes for the province to share its valuable experience in hosting the games.

Lam also extended her gratitude for the support of the General Administration of Sport of China for the joint hosting of the 15th National Games by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

She said that she hopes that the General Administration of Sport of China will continue to provide guidance and that the Hong Kong SAR will get fully prepared for its participation in the hosting of the National Games.

READ MORE: Athletes send warm invitations to 2025 Games in Greater Bay Area

In a congratulatory statement, the President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, on behalf of all lawmakers, said in the face of competition from all elite athletes in the sports sector of our country, Hong Kong athletes fearlessly went full steam ahead and achieved good results.

"Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will co-host the 15th National Games in 2025. This precious opportunity given by the central authorities will not only enhance sports development in Hong Kong and strengthen social cohesion, but also foster Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation on all fronts with far-reaching significance. It's believed that all sectors in the community will give unreserved support to this important sporting event," Leung said.


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