We cannot return empty-handed from 2020 Tokyo Olympics, says new Sports Institute chief
Medal is a must at the next Games, says former Legislative councillor and businessman Lam Tai-fai on his first day in office
Hong Kong must return with medals from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after coming home empty-handed last year from Rio, said the new chairman of the Hong Kong Sports institute.
“Everyone expects us to make a breakthrough [winning medals at the next Olympic Games],” said Lam Tai-fai, who began his new role on Monday by meeting the media. “I would say the target is very clear as this is the common goal of the sports community.
“But which sport will this medal come from, and what colour?
“I can’t give you a clear picture because this is my first day as chairman. Give me some more time, say like six months later, I can provide a better picture of our targets.”
Hong Kong sent a squad of 38 athletes to the Rio Games last summer, taking part in nine sports – swimming, athletics, badminton, cycling, fencing, golf, rowing, windsurfing and table tennis. However, none of the athletes was able to win a medal.
Track cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze was favourite after winning bronze in London but her hopes in Rio were dashed when she crashed during the women’s keirin semi-finals.
Lam, a businessman and a former Legislative Council member, was previously active in Hong Kong soccer and helped finance top-flight clubs such as Happy Valley, Rangers and Sha Tin.