Asian Rowing Championships: Hong Kong’s Chan secures gold in Thailand
- Chan Chi-fung rallies from behind in the men’s single sculls to snatch gold ahead of Thailand and Iran
- Head coach Wu said the event serves as a warm-up for major events in 2023, including the Hangzhou Asian Games
Hong Kong rower Chan Chi-fung became the first to take home a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Rowing Championships in Thailand on Saturday.
The lightweight rower, who competes in the men’s single sculls, began his mission on Wednesday after placing fourth in his heat and then first in a must-win repechage event that sent him through to the finals.
Facing opponents from a much heavier weight category, the 24-year-old rallied from behind at the 1,500m mark to take a lead which he then held to snatch gold.
Asian Games bronze medallist and hometown favourite Prem Nampratueng came in second, while Mahmoodpour Shahrestani Amirhossein of Iran took the bronze.
“It’s a real boost for me as I successfully jumped up in weight to challenge someone heavier than me,” Chan said. “In the past year my training has mostly focused on doubles and lightweight singles.”