HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Sunday congratulated the members of the Hong Kong, China delegation on their historic achievements at the Paris Olympics and thanked all sectors of the community for the strong support they provided the athletes.

Lee said in a statement that Hong Kong athletes demonstrated their extraordinary capability at the Games and achieved historic results by capturing two gold medals and two bronze medals in four sports events. 

“It was the first time that Hong Kong has won more than one gold medal at the same Olympic Games. Every Hong Kong athlete has given their utmost and unleashed their full potential in the Olympic arena,” Lee said.

ALSO READ: HK: Leveraging Olympic successes, growing with sports

Epee fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai clinched the city’s first gold medal in 2024 Paris Olympics by defeating French player Auriane Mallo-Breton 13-12 in the women’s epee final on the first day of the competition on July 28.

Fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long then finished off Italy's Filippo Macchi 15-14, securing his second gold medal after his win at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, making him the first Hong Kong athlete to achieve such a feat.

Hong Kong swimmer Siobhan Haughey also secured two bronze medals in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter freestyle events. 

Lee said all athletes showed their determination, perseverance and will, demonstrating their professional attitude and sportsmanship. 

“The people of Hong Kong and I are deeply inspired and moved,” Lee said. “The people of Hong Kong are proud of the high level of performance shown by Hong Kong athletes, and each and every one of them is a hero in our hearts.”

Lee said the outstanding performance of Hong Kong athletes at this year's Olympic Games was thanks not only to their own efforts, but also to the dedication and meticulous training efforts of coaches and support teams, as well as the support of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and various national sports associations. 

ALSO READ: Kong clinches HK's first gold medal in Paris

“I recognize and appreciate their contributions. I also thank the local universities and research and development teams for their scientific research achievements which have helped to enhance the performance of athletes," Lee said.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government secured the broadcasting rights of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Hong Kong and three local licensed television broadcasters and Radio Television Hong Kong broadcasted the Games.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department also set up various Olympics Focal Sites in 18 districts to allow members of the public to watch the exciting events for free. Major shopping malls and buildings have also set up screens to broadcast the competitions, enabling members of the public to experience the excitement of this spectacular sports event, and cheer for the national team and Hong Kong athletes.

Also, the HKSAR government's annual funding for 2024-2025 for the HKSI, through the Elite Athletes Development Fund, amounted to HK$941.6 million ($120.74 million), representing an increase of about 40 percent over five years ago. 

READ MORE: Back home with glory

The HKSAR government's estimated expenditure on sports development in 2024-25 is around HK$7.9 billion, which has more than doubled compared to a decade ago. 

Lee said a number of important sports events will take place shortly, including the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in late August, as well as the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games to be cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao towards the end of next year. 

“I am confident that various sectors will continue to support Hong Kong athletes to shine in the competitions, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of Hong Kong," Lee said.