Asian Games: Hong Kong silver medallist rower Chiu upset at missing gold; world-class potential, says coach Perry
The men’s lightweight single sculler announced himself on the Asian scene after turning on the power to claim second place
Hong Kong silver winner Chiu Hin-chun has world-class potential and has announced himself as a major force in Asian rowing at the JSC Lake in Palembang, Indonesia, said coach Chris Perry.
The 24-year-old finished second to South Korea’s Park Hyun-su on Friday after putting in an almighty effort to reel in India’s Dushyant and claim the silver.
Hong Kong also won bronze in the women’s lightweight through Lee Ka-man while the men’s eight won bronze in their event, justifying Perry’s decision for four of their team to back down in Thursday’s quadruples.
“Chiu was disappointed after the race as he had set his heart on getting the gold,” said Perry. “He is young and still a bit inexperienced tactically. But it is a measure of his courage and determination that he is never satisfied with less than winning.
“But this is just inexperience. He is such a highly motivated and ambitious athlete and if he keeps going he has world-class potential. I think this race has stamped himself on the scene.”
This is Chiu’s first season in singles, having previously been part of a pairs team. Before that, he was a windsurfer but switched to rowing after a talent identification programme.