Lok Kwan-hoi powers to Hong Kong's first-ever rowing gold at Asian Games
Lok Kwan-hoi became the first rower from Hong Kong to win a gold medal in the Asian Games when he clinched victory in the men’s lightweight single sculls today.
It’s so exciting to be the first rowing champion in the Asian Games, I’m very happy
In his third Asiad, the 27-year-old finally stood on top of the medal podium after narrowly missing two medal chances in Guangzhou four years ago.
Lok beat Lee Hak-beom of South Korea over the 2,000-metre course in Chungju Tangeum Lake Rowing Centre with a time of seven minutes and 25.04 seconds as the Korean clocked 7:25.95. Third place went to Dushiant Dushyant of India in 7:26.57.
Rowing is Hong Kong’s biggest success so far at the Games, with two more silver medals through Lee Ka-man in the women’s single sculls and Chow Kwong-wing and Tang Chiu-man in the men’s lightweight double sculls.
“It’s so exciting to be the first rowing champion in the Asian Games, I’m very happy,” said Lok.
“I came fourth in both events in Guangzhou but eventually I have made it in Incheon. I strongly believe this is my Games because of our preparation and the hard work and time we have devoted to training.”