Tokyo Paralympics: wheelchair fencer Yu Chui-yee hopes fans’ support will continue after Hong Kong’s best-ever Olympic Games

Yu is part of a 24-member Paralympic squad leaving for Japan this month, hoping to ride on the success of the Tokyo Games team

Hong Kong people are still buzzing after a record medals haul in the Olympics, with the Paralympic athletes feeling the pressure to earn more glory

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Hong Kong will send a 24-member squad to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

Published: 9:18pm, 10 Aug 2021Updated: 10:03pm, 10 Aug 2021

Wheelchair fencer Yu Chui-yee welcomed the sporting “heat” that swept over the city after the unprecedented success of Hong Kong athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, hoping the people’s support can extend to the 2020 Paralympic Games, which will kick off in Tokyo in two weeks.

Yu, who will be making her fifth Paralympic appearance, is part of a 24-member squad that will take part in eight sports in the August 24 to September 4 Games.

“There has been growing support from the community after Hong Kong athletes had such great success in the Tokyo Olympics and this is something very good for us,” said Yu, who witnessed fellow fencer Cheung Ka-long’s gold medal while working as a television commentator. “Someone may say this support came a bit late but it doesn’t matter as long as they want to support us and enjoy the game.

“Of course, I hope they can also extend their support to the Paralympic Games and this is likely to happen because the Games will be broadcast by local television. Even without television coverage, these days online watching is so common and people can find links to watch and support us.”

Wheelchair fencer Yu Chui-yee will be making her fifth Paralympic appearance in Tokyo this month. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

The 37-year-old, who has already bagged seven Paralympic gold medals in her four previous Games, preferred to not set any targets for Tokyo.

“For me, a medal is no longer the most important element in the Paralympic Games,” said Yu. “I will go to Tokyo to deliver a performance in which I will be accountable to myself.”