Star-studded group of Chinese Olympians to take 3-day victory lap in Hong Kong next month

Table tennis star Ma Long and sprinter Su Bingtian among group of 29 from Tokyo Games that will spend December 3 to 5 in city, Carrie Lam reveals

Young fan favourite Quan Hongchan, a 14-year-old diver, will not be among those making the trip, which is intended to stoke local sports enthusiasm

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Table tennis gold medalist Ma Long (left) is among the Olympic stars set to arrive in Hong Kong next month. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 12:24pm, 23 Nov 2021Updated: 9:26pm, 23 Nov 2021

Nearly 30 of China’s Tokyo Olympians, including table tennis great Ma Long and sprinter Su Bingtian, will tour Hong Kong for three days next month in a victory lap the city leader has said will excite local enthusiasm for sports.

However, 14-year-old champion diver Quan Hongchan, who captured hearts by winning a gold medal at such a young age and then dedicating the win to her sick mother, will not be among the star-studded line-up.

Sprinter Su Bingtian will be among the Olympian contingent coming to Hong Kong next month. Photo: Xinhua

Revealing the December 3 to 5 visit on Tuesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said she was pleased China’s top governing sports body had accepted her administration’s invitation.

“Since the handover, there have been mainland Olympic gold medallists visiting Hong Kong after each Games, to share their Olympic experiences and the joy of victory,” Lam told reporters before her weekly Executive Council meeting.

“Hong Kong has just achieved its best-ever result [in the Olympics], and I believe the visit will certainly stir up some strong response in the city,” she added, referencing the city’s recent record-breaking performance.

The highlight of the tour will be a three-event showcase at Queen Elizabeth Stadium and Victoria Park Swimming Pool on December 4, involving two sports demonstrations and a variety show.