Press Release
HKBU celebrates student athletes’ remarkable performance at Asian Games
Friday, 3 November 2023
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) held the “Cheers to HKBU Asian Games Athletes” reception today (3 November) to celebrate HKBU athletes’ achievements and remarkable performance at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou in September and October.
This year, HKBU athletes produced an impressive score sheet of one gold, two silver and four bronze medals in the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games. The medalists include Cheung Ka-long, a gold and bronze medallist in the Men’s Foil Individual and Team event respectively; Ma Kwan-ching, a silver medallist in the Women’s Windsurfing – iQFoil event; Ngan Wai-yan, a silver medallist in the Women’s RS:X Windsurfing event; Forrest Shanna Sanman, a bronze medallist in the Women’s Rugby Sevens; Wong Tsz-to, a bronze medallist in the Triathlon Mixed Relay event; and Chan Ho-yuen, who earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles WH2 Badminton event at the Asian Para Games. All of them are students of HKBU’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Physical Education and Recreation Management programme.
HKBU alumni also shone at the Games. Ho Yuen-kei won a silver medal in the mixed BC3 Doubles Boccia event; and Wong Chun-yim secured a silver and a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles SH6 Badminton event and the Men’s Doubles SH6 Badminton event respectively.
At today’s reception, Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU, presented scholarships to the University’s medallists and participants of the Games totalling around HK$1.2 million in recognition of their exemplary performances.
In his welcome address, Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, said that: “HKBU had an unprecedented number of over 30 athletes participated in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games this time. They exhibited immense determination, gave their best, and fought hard in the competitions until the last moment, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship. Their efforts were inspiring and deserve our admiration.
“It is encouraging to see that the University's commitment to supporting elite athletes bears fruit. With the introduction of the ‘Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme’ as well as the learning and teaching support services provided by different units of the University, not only can our student athletes pursue academic studies while realising their full potentials in sports, they also play significant contributions to the sports scene in Hong Kong.”
Cheung Ka-long, Wong Tsz-to and Ho Yuen-kei were invited to share their inspiring journey to success at the Asian Games at the reception. The event also featured an array of engaging game booths which included a basketball shooting machine, a showcase of fencing equipment, a windsurfing balance game, and a rowing game. They enabled the attending students to immerse themselves in various sports experiences.
HKBU is committed to promoting the development of sports in Hong Kong and providing comprehensive support to Hong Kong athletes. Over the years, the University has been conducting sport science research, and it offers comprehensive and diversified sport science and management programmes to nurture sporting talent for Hong Kong. In 2016, the University established the Elite Athletes Admission Scheme (EAAS), and in 2022, it introduced the Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme (TADAS) in response to the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA Scheme) launched by the University Grants Committee. These initiatives aim to provide flexible study arrangements for outstanding athletes in Hong Kong.
