Hong Kong unlikely to better 2009 East Asian Games haul, Pang Chung says
Hong Kong's record East Asian Games (EAG) medal haul in 2009 of 26 gold, 31 silver and 53 bronze is unlikely to be threatened over the next fortnight as the 2013 Games begin today.
Hong Kong's record East Asian Games (EAG) medal haul in 2009 of 26 gold, 31 silver and 53 bronze is unlikely to be threatened over the next fortnight as the 2013 Games begin today.
The 2009 medal haul was helped by the fact Hong Kong were the hosts. "I don't think we can come close to what we did four years ago," said Pang Chung, secretary general of the Hong Kong Olympic Committee.
Apart from squash and cycling, we don't have too many chances as the Tianjin organisers have changed the programme, removing sports we have been strong in
"Apart from squash and cycling, we don't have too many chances as the Tianjin organisers have changed the programme, removing sports we have been strong in."
Windsurfing and billiards, which contributed five gold medals four years ago, are no longer on the programme, while squash, which rendered seven golds, has been reduced to just four disciplines.
Hong Kong also won eight golds in wushu, badminton and table tennis, but this year's hosts are dominant in these sports.
"We all understand the situation and, even if we enjoy less advantage, we still want our athletes to fight as this will be the last chance for them to appear in the East Asian Games," said Pang. "That's why we are sending a big delegation of more than 300 athletes to take part in 23 sports, with soft tennis the only exception."