Hong Kong jiu-jitsu black belt Viking Wong urges National Olympic Committee to fast track Asian Games 2018 application
Viking Wong believes Hong Kong would have a shot at gold in Indonesia – if the National Olympic Committee can get him there – after topping podium at Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Viking Wong hopes the National Olympic Committee consider Hong Kong’s case for a place in the Asian Games after a gold medal showing in their debut team event.
Wong led the way for Hong Kong’s delegation of five at the 2018 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Aktau, Kazakhstan, winning a gold medal in the 85kg category.
The event, organised by the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU), doubles up as a qualifier for the Jakarta 2018 Games, but the sport is not recognised by Hong Kong’s NOC, meaning it cannot be considered for Indonesia.
“Although there is still time, I think the chances are slim they’ll let us do it this year, but we have a real shot at gold in Indonesia and we’re ready to jump in and work with the NOC so we can represent Hong Kong,” said Wong, who is hoping an application can be fast tracked ahead of the August event, having received advice from JJAU.
Last year, Abu Dhabi’s United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation teamed up with world governing body the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation to work towards bringing the sport to the Olympics – starting with inclusion in the Asian Games.