City leader Lee hands Hong Kong flag to Asian Games athletes, hails ‘never-say-die spirit’
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee presented the city's flag to the delegation heading to the Asian Games in Japan. He praised the athletes' perseverance and expressed confidence in their ability to surpass previous medal records.
Why it matters
The event serves as a platform for regional soft power and highlights the government's continued investment in sports development.
Hong Kong’s leader handed over the city’s flag to the more than 800-strong delegation heading to this month’s Asian Games in Japan on Tuesday, telling them their “never-say-die spirit” was the best reflection of their home.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led a ceremony involving some of the 580 athletes scheduled to compete in 38 sports in Nagoya, and said he believed they would have “even greater success” than in Hangzhou three years ago.
In 2023, a record squad of 681 competitors returned from the Games in mainland China with a historic 53 medals, winning eight gold, 16 silver and 29 bronze.
“The athletes’ perseverance and never-say-die spirit on the field is the best reflection of the Hong Kong spirit,” Lee said, before handing the flag to members of the delegation, which chef de mission Wong Po-kee will head.
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