Save Our Sailing: Tong Yui-shing once again on mission to rescue status at Hong Kong Sports Institute
Previously, it was his performances as an athlete that helped keep them afloat, this time his role is as president of the federation
Newly elected sailing chief Tong Yui-shing faces the biggest challenge of his 40-year sporting career, with the veteran taking on the task of trying to save the sport for a second time.
At the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, a 55-year-old Tong won a bronze medal in the hobie 16 with his partner Tong Kit-fong , a result that helped the sport score sufficient points to gain tier A status at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.
But after sailing failed to meet the review requirements over the past two years, Tong is again needed to lead his sport out of troubled waters – but this time as president of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation.
“This is a big challenge, even bigger than the one I did it for sailing at the 2014 Asiad,” said Tong, who was elected for the top post last month. “As the president, I must take up the responsibility for the entire sport even though I know it is very difficult.
“I do not want to blame people for what has been done over the past two years, but my target is very clear as we must win a medal at the next Asian Games in Indonesia or our sport will be kicked out the door.”
To focus on his new role, Tong has terminated his contract as a scholarship athlete with the Sports Institute.