Hong Kong Athletes Shine with 2 Gold, 2 Silver Medals at Paris Paralympics
Hong Kong athletes have once again showcased their talent and determination at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, bringing home a total of two gold and two silver medals in boccia and badminton events. The city’s boccia team has been particularly impressive, with outstanding performances from John Loung, Annie Cheung, and Ho Yuen-kei.
Impressive Wins in Boccia Events
On Monday, the boccia team made Hong Kong proud with their exceptional performances. John Loung secured the city’s first gold medal of the Paris Games in the Men’s Individual BC1 final, defeating Jung Sungjoon of South Korea. Annie Cheung added to the medal tally with a silver in the Women’s Individual BC4 event, after being bested by China’s Lin Ximei.
The boccia team’s winning streak continued with Ho Yuen-kei clinching the gold in the Women’s Individual BC3 final, marking her second gold medal at the Paralympic Games. The three-time Paralympian put on a stellar performance, eliminating Jamieson Leeson of Australia and showcasing her rich experience and extraordinary perseverance.
In a post-match interview, Ho Yuen-kei expressed her gratitude to the Hong Kong supporters who watched the competition via livestream. She also thanked her husband for his unwavering support and assistance during the competition, emphasizing that the gold medal belonged to everyone who had helped her along the way.
Chief Executive John Lee Congratulates Medallists
Chief Executive John Lee extended his congratulations to the boccia medallists, commending John Loung for his determination and superb skills that led to the gold medal win. Lee also praised Ho Yuen-kei for her outstanding performance and extraordinary perseverance, highlighting her significant contribution to Hong Kong’s medal count.
Annie Cheung, who made her Paralympic Games debut in Paris, was also recognized for her resilience and outstanding performance against top athletes from around the world. Lee applauded Cheung for her remarkable achievements and contribution to the team’s success.
Badminton Success and Resilience
In badminton events, Hong Kong athlete Daniel Chan earned a silver medal in the Men’s Singles WH2 event after a hard-fought competition against Daiki Kajiwara of Japan. Despite facing challenges and injuries over the past few years, Chan expressed pride in his performance and viewed the silver medal as a fitting conclusion to his professional career.
Chu Man-kai, another badminton player from Hong Kong, narrowly missed out on a medal in the Men’s Singles SH6 event after a tough battle against Brazil’s Vitor Tavares. Despite the loss, Chu’s resilience and determination were evident throughout the match, showcasing his commitment to the sport and representing Hong Kong on the global stage.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Hong Kong had secured a total of six medals at the Paris Paralympics, including two gold, three silver, and one bronze. The city’s athletes have once again demonstrated their skill, perseverance, and dedication to excellence, making Hong Kong proud on the international sporting stage.