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In celebration of the best-ever performance of Hong Kong athletes at the 19^th Asian Games Hangzhou, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), along with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and the HKSI organised the Hong Kong China’s Asian Games Medallists Celebration Raceday. The raceday recognised the remarkable achievements of the athletes and presented a total of HK$32.5 million cash incentives to medallists through the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (JCAIAS).

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Mr Chan Kwok-ki GBS IDSM JP, Chief Secretary for Administration; Mr Michael Lee JP, Chairman of the HKJC; Mr Timothy Fok GBM GBS JP, President of the SF&OC; Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI and Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges GBS JP, Chief Executive Officer of the HKJC. Members of the sports community, coaches and athletes gathered to celebrate the success.

Winning a total of 53 medals at the 19^th Asian Games Hangzhou, including 8 gold, 16 silver and 29 bronze medals, shattered the previous Asian Games record. Cash incentives were awarded to 112 athletes from 18 sport disciplines for their exceptional efforts. Mr Tang King-shing expressed great pride in the achievements of Hong Kong athletes at the Asian Games hosted by the Motherland. The athletes’ indomitable spirit and unwavering efforts were truly inspiring. The HKSI sincerely thanks the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the HKJC, the SF&OC and the sports community for their support, hoping the society will continue root for Hong Kong athletes.

Mr Michael Lee JP extended his sincere congratulations to the medallists, saying the unwavering commitment and “can-do” spirit displayed by athletes during the Hangzhou Asian Games was deeply touching and inspiring, bringing considerable positive energy to Hong Kong. The Club is rewarding athletes who performed exceptionally well at the Games through the JCAIAS, “Looking forward, the Club remains committed to working hand in hand with the HKSAR Government and society to help Hong Kong, China athletes thrive in the global sporting arena. It will also continue to foster a culture of sports participation for all, in alignment with the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society.” he added.

Sixteen athletes from the fencing team won nine medals and received cash incentives of HK$4.5 million. Fencer Cheung Ka-long clinched a historic first Asian Games gold medal in fencing, expressing his joy, saying, “I am delighted to win the medals and receive the cash incentives together with my teammates. This overwhelming joy is truly indescribable. We are grateful for the support of the HKJC providing great encouragement for athletes.”

Five athletes of the rowing team were presented with cash incentives of HK$3.25 million in total. Rowers Lam San-tung and Wong Wai-chun won the gold medal in the men’s pair event. They shared, “We have worked extremely hard to prepare for the Asian Games. Bringing home the first gold medal at this Asian Games is incredibly exciting. Our effort has paid off and we hope to keep bringing honour to Hong Kong.”

Established by the HKSI in 1994, the Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme provides cash incentives to local medallists at various Major Games, with an aim to show recognition and appreciation for their hard work and dedication. The HKJC continues to support the HKSI and extend its sponsorship for the “Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme” (the Scheme) for three years, starting from 2023. The Scheme offers cash incentives to Hong Kong medallists at seven Major Games, namely the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, National Games, National Paralympic Games and World University Games; cash incentives will also be given to athletes who have won the fourth to eighth places at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The list of awarded athletes at the 19^th Asian Games Hangzhou can be viewed and downloaded here.