Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Sunday congratulated the Hong Kong, China team for its outstanding achievements at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, by surpassing the city’s total number of medals won at the tournament in Hangzhou in 2023, and winning a record number of gold medals.

In a statement, Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s 590 athletes who competed in 38 events gave their utmost and showed their perseverance and exceptional prowess in the competitions.

“They have won a total of 54 medals, comprising 11 gold medals, 19 silver medals and 24 bronze medals, surpassing previous record for the total number of medals, while securing the most gold medals ever,” he said. This demonstrated the SAR athletes’ “perseverance and standards of excellence” that have brought honor to the nation and Hong Kong.

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Lee noted that SAR athletes won gold medals in wushu, swimming, rowing, squash, sailing, tennis, windsurfing and the rugby sevens.

“Among them, the squash team, the sailing team and the tennis team achieved historic results, writing a glorious chapter for Hong Kong sports,” he said.

The Hong Kong rugby men’s team won the gold medal in the men’s rugby sevens on Saturday, while the women’s team secured the bronze in the in the women’s  rugby sevens.

“The courage, relentless spirit, perseverance and unyielding determination shown by the Hong Kong, China athletes on the field of play are the finest embodiment of the Hong Kong spirit. I believe all Hong Kong people share my excitement and immense pride in their excellent performances,” Lee said.

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The athletes’ excellent results also showed that the HKSAR government’s policies and strategic resource support are on the right track, he said.

Lee also thanked the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, the various national sports associations and the coaching and medical teams for their unwavering support and dedication.

“I look forward to extending my congratulations to the athletes in person at the commendation ceremony to be held in due course,” he said, adding that the HKSAR government is proactively promoting sports development and continuously developing elite sports.

He said various measures have been implemented to enhance the quality of training and support for elite athletes, including the hardware facilities of the HKSI, training resources, and research and development of sports medicine and sports science.

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The chief executive noted that the grant level of direct financial support for athletes has been comprehensively increased from April 1 last year, while the subsidy ceiling for their participation in competitions has also been raised this year.

“We’ll continue to provide full support for Hong Kong, China athletes to excel at international and regional competitions, and to take Hong Kong sport to a new level,” Lee added.