Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai presented the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) flag to the local sports delegations for the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games at Government Headquarters in Nam Van yesterday, encouraging athletes to uphold the Olympic and Chinese sporting spirits and aim for strong results in the upcoming competitions in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The 20th Asian Games will start on September 19 and end on October 4, followed by the 5th Asian Para Games which will begin on October 18 and conclude on October 24.
In his opening remarks, Sam said that both Games are the highest-level sporting events in Asia and important platforms for exchanges among countries and regions. He said that the continued participation of the local sports delegations was the result of sustained efforts by the local government and community.
He encouraged the local athletes to cherish the opportunity, face strong opponents without fear and compete with determination, while demonstrating the spirit and vitality of Macau’s young people to the world.
Sam also said that the local government has made coordinated arrangements for the development of sports under the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and will continue to provide targeted support measures for athletes’ training and related safeguards, support their participation in competitions outside Macau and strengthen talent development.
According to a statement by the Sports Bureau (ID), the government will further improve its sports policies and establish a scientific and professional talent development system, while making use of the institutional advantages of the Guangdong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin to strengthen sports exchanges and cooperation with the mainland and internationally.
Sam also highlighted continued investment in sports for people with disabilities (PWDs), including improvements to barrier-free facilities and supporting measures, so athletes can pursue their sporting ambitions in a fair and inclusive environment. With the competitions approaching, Sam said he believed the athletes were ready and would demonstrate their ability and sporting spirit at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
Speaking to the media after the presentation, local athlete Kuong Chi Hin, who will compete in the men’s Changquan* (“Long Fist”), said he was excited and happy to serve as a sports representative for the second time. Kuong said he had completed about 80 percent of his preparations over the past month and would use the remaining time to prepare for the competition. Kuong said he hoped to avoid mistakes during the event and secure a place on the podium.
Meanwhile, wheelchair fencing athlete Lao In I said her goal this year was to finish in the top eight, having achieved top-eight finishes several times without winning a medal. Lao said she had been training hard for the Asian Games and hoped more able-bodied athletes would join her in competitions, noting that she is currently Macau’s only wheelchair athlete.
*Changquan refers to a family of external martial arts styles from northern China. The forms of the Long Fist style emphasise fully extended kicks and striking techniques, and by appearance would be considered a long-range fighting system. – Gemini
Local athlete representatives Kuong Chi Hin (right) and Lao In I (left) present a keepsake to Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai at Government Headquarters in Nam Van yesterday. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
