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The outstanding achievement of table tennis player Yeung Chi-ka made her the only winner for the Hong Kong Sports Institute Outstanding Junior Athlete Awards for the fourth quarter of 2006.

At a prize presentation held at the Hong Kong Sports Institute's (HKSI) new headquarters today (Wednesday), Yeung received a cash prize of HK$2,500, sports gears voucher worth HK$2,500 and a certificate amid the applause from the presenters including Dr Chung Pak-kwong, Chief Executive of the HKSI and Poon Chi-nam, Executive Committee Member of the Hong Kong Sports Press Association (HKSPA).

Nominated by the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped, 18-year-old Yeung defeated the world number two Polish player in the preliminary round for the first time and further helped the women's team to win a gold medal at the 3rd INAS-FID European Table Tennis Championships held in Portugal last December. Yeung was satisfied with her performance at the competition. It has become one of the most memorable events in her sporting career and her extraordinary performance was slightly out of her expectation.

This has been the second time Yeung got the Award since the final quarter of 2005. "I am a bit surprised but pleased to have won the Award again. Since I'm going to nineteen and will not be eligible for the nomination soon, I do treasure this award title and will waste no time in winning more honours in the future," said Yeung at the presentation.

The rising star started formal training in table tennis in 2002 right after her outstanding performance at school team level. Yeung made her international debut at the 1^st Far East & South Pacific Games for the Disabled Youth Games in 2003 where she ranked second in the girls' singles. "We have undergone training in a new venue starting from last month and all the players are satisfied with the environment and facilities. I'll continue to work hard and wish to do well at the coming World Championships in Japan so as to bring home pride and glory," added Yeung.

In addition, three athletes including swimmer Carman Nam and sailors Tse Pak-yun and Isamu Sakai were each presented a certificate of merit to recognise their outstanding performances.

Presented by the HKSI with the support from the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the HKSPA, the Awards scheme aims to recognise the achievement of local junior athletes under the age of 19 on a quarterly basis.