Hong Kong fencer Harris Ho made history after he won the gold medal in the men’s foil individual event at the 4th Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal on Monday.

Ho's win provided the first-ever YOG fencing gold medal for the Hong Kong, China delegation and also secured its second gold at this year's Games, where the team has also won a silver and three bronzes.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui congratulated Ho on his victory, noting that it came after his gold medal win in the cadet men's individual foil at the 2026 World Junior & Cadet Fencing Championships in April and his silver medal in the men's foil team event at the Asian Games in September.

"With an outstanding performance at the Youth Olympic Games this year, he overcame his opponents to secure the gold medal and set a historic milestone for a young Hong Kong fencing athlete,” Law said.

“All of the Hong Kong citizens take great pride in his remarkable achievement."

Philip Mok, chef de mission of the Hong Kong, China Delegation and honorary deputy secretary general of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), praised Ho for his outstanding performance.

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"Harris HO delivered consistent performances from the pool stage, advancing directly to the quarter-finals with a record of five wins and one loss. Facing a strong opponent in the final, Harris steadily built up his lead and demonstrated unstoppable momentum,” Mok said.

“He secured victory by a wide margin, winning the historic first fencing gold for the Team Hong Kong, China at YOG."

Mok said that the gold medal not only reflects the success of Hong Kong's efforts in nurturing young athletes, but also demonstrates the ability of the new generation to carry on Hong Kong's sporting achievements.

As the first Olympic event hosted on the African continent, the 4th edition of the YOG runs from Oct 31 to Nov 13, featuring 25 sports and attracting approximately 2,700 athletes aged 15 to 17.

The Hong Kong, China delegation comprises around 35 members, including 15 athletes competing across 12 sports, such as, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, breakdancing, fencing, rowing, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, windsurfing, and wushu.