Olympians' visit expected to ignite HK's sports passion

The three-day visit to Hong Kong by the mainland Olympians delegation, which represents a valuable interaction opportunity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, received a warm welcome by an enthusiastic Hong Kong public on Friday.

Officials hope the exchange will create a new round of sports enthusiasm in the city, and mainland athletes expect the extensive interaction with local communities can further fuel the city's passion for sports.

Extending the tradition of mainland Olympic medalists visiting Hong Kong, a delegation of 29 athletes and three coaches from 12 sports arrived in the city on Friday afternoon.

On Saturday and Sunday, they will stage two public sports exhibitions, attend a variety show and meet with local athletes, students, social groups and public-service officials.

Six delegation members, including sprinter Su Bingtian and table tennis player Ma Long, will also share their stories with Hong Kong Polytechnic University students on Sunday.

Tickets for the exhibitions and variety show were sold out within hours after they went on sale. Upon the athletes' arrival, they were greeted by groups of Hong Kong residents. Some lined up to take photos with their sports idols, and brought T-shirts and sneakers to collect signatures.

Welcoming the delegation's visit, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said Hong Kong residents highly appreciate visits by mainland delegation, and their arrival is always warmly received.

Noting that the activity was delayed this time due to the ongoing pandemic, Lam said she hopes the mainland athletes and coaches can visit Hong Kong more frequently after quarantine-free cross-border travel is resumed.

Yang Ning, deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China and leader of the delegation, said the regular visits by mainland Olympians to Hong Kong are a fine tradition and represent the significant bond between residents of the two sides. Despite the pandemic, it is still the collective wish of the mainland and Hong Kong to extend the tradition and maintain the bond.

Yang said that short track speed skater Sui Xin has just become Hong Kong's first athlete to punch a ticket to the 2022 Winter Olympics in February. She hopes the exchange activity can be a good opportunity to express the delegation's appreciation for Hong Kong compatriots' support for the nation's sports development.

Hong Kong Commissioner for Sports Yeung Tak-keung said the outstanding performance of mainland and Hong Kong athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has greatly inspired Hong Kong society. He said he hopes the mainland delegation's visit will create a new round of sports enthusiasm in the city.

Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, said the regular visits by mainland athletes, which have taken place for over 20 years, are a living embodiment of the nation's care for the city. He added that the nation's support is indispensable to Hong Kong's sports development.

Ma Long, holder of titles in men's singles and men's team competitions in table tennis at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said the Hong Kong sports team and the national team have a deep friendship. He hopes to have close communication with the Hong Kong public during the visit.

Su Bingtian, who set a new Asian record in the men's 100m semifinal at the Tokyo Olympics, talked about his connection with Hong Kong, saying he used to train with Hong Kong athletes and there are many Hong Kong students at Jinan University, where he is currently based.

Su added that he looks forward to sharing stories behind his sports achievements with Hong Kong residents.

Deng Zhangyu contributed to this story.