Record haul 'will not be easy to achieve' at Asian Games
Hong Kong will have largest-ever delegation of 472 athletes in Incheon but face a difficult task to surpass the eight golds earned in Guangzhou
Hong Kong are sending their biggest-ever delegation to the Asian Games next month in Incheon but remain cautious about repeating the success of Guangzhou four years ago.
A squad of 472 athletes and 187 officials will represent Hong Kong at the Asiad from September 19 to October 4 in South Korea. In 2010, Hong Kong were represented by 396 athletes who combined for a record medal haul of eight gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze. In 2006, 281 athletes went to Doha and returned with 28 medals, six of which were gold.
We are targeting a better result than the Guangzhou Games with a far bigger squad
"We are targeting a better result than the Guangzhou Games with a far bigger squad," said Olympic committee president Timothy Fok Tsun-ting.
"But the target is not easy to achieve and a big challenge to our athletes. The progress made by Asian countries over the past couple of years has made life difficult, even if our athletes are working hard to close the gap on our regional counterparts.
"China are the world's leading sporting nation and will continue to dominate the Games as before. Japan are keen to do well before they host the Olympics in 2020, while South Korea will obviously give their best to impress in front of the home crowds."
