A player of Hong Kong, China goes for a header during a quarterfinal match against Iran at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, Oct 1, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will organize celebratory activities to mark the extraordinary performance of the city’s athletes at the 19th Asian Games, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the athletes had made residents proud with their remarkable results at the Hangzhou games.

“After the completion of the Asian Games, the government will organize celebratory events for the team.”

The Hong Kong, China team had also gained the first gold medals in events including swimming, fencing and golf, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said, expressing his wish that the team would continue to strive for the best in the remaining matches

The Hong Kong, China team won total 44 medals, as of Sunday night, at the Hangzhou Asian Games – six gold, 15 silver, 23 bronze, he said, adding that the city’s athletes were expected to break the previous record of 46 medals.

He specifically mentioned the city’s football team making history by reaching the semifinals for the first time after beating Iran 1-0 on Sunday.

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The team had also gained the first gold medals in events including swimming, fencing and golf, the CE said, expressing his wish that the team would continue to strive for the best in the remaining matches.

Asked about Hong Kong golfer Taichi Kho’s gold medal and development of the sport in Hong Kong, Lee congratulated Kho’s performance, saying the authorities had promised to lend part of the land the government had taken back at the Fanling golf course to event organizers for international competitions.

"Competition events can happen and there will be no problem with it, because we have promised we will give assistance including giving sufficient preparation time," Lee said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks to the media ahead of an Executive Council meeting on Oct 3, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HKU management

Regarding incidents in the management at the University of Hong Kong, Lee said the government attached importance to the governance of universities and the HKU council and the vice-chancellor had clear responsibilities under the existing mechanism.

The question was related to media reports on misconduct allegations against the HKU president.

Lee said the issue was an internal matter and the university needed to follow the existing procedures and handle complaints in a fair manner.

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APEC meeting

Asked whether he would attend the APEC leaders’ summit scheduled in November in the US, Lee said APEC was an international organization with its own protocol and practice, stressing that hosting places had to abide by APEC principle by inviting leaders to the event.