Hong Kong’s elite men’s foil team shattered a long-standing barrier on Thursday evening, claiming the delegation’s first-ever fencing gold medal at the National Games of China (All-China Games). Competing at the Kai Tak Sport Park in Hong Kong, the quartet—comprised of Olympic champion Cheung Ka-long, along with Ryan Choi, Lawrence Ng, and Nicholas Chan—delivered a dominant performance in the final, overcoming the defending champions, Fujian, with a decisive 45-34 victory in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao division team event.
The win marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong sports and establishes the team as a formidable force on the national stage. The final was held before a packed and energetic home crowd, generating an electrifying atmosphere that fueled the local athletes. The intensity of the match reflected the high stakes, with both teams displaying exceptional tactical precision and speed, though ultimately the Hong Kong squad proved superior in the decisive final period.
The victory is particularly significant as it builds upon the individual success of Cheung Ka-long, who previously won individual gold at the Tokyo Olympics. This team triumph validates Hong Kong’s investment in fencing development and promises further competitive excellence in future international tournaments.
The competitive edge was matched by a moment of unexpected celebrity interaction post-match. Hong Kong broadcaster ViuTV arranged for celebrity Edan Lui of the popular boyband MIRROR to serve as a special correspondent, interviewing the victorious fencing team. Lui, a former university roommate of foilist Ryan Choi, shared photos on social media, including one where he posed holding Choi’s newly won gold medal.
In a jovial post, Lui celebrated the team’s achievement, writing light-heartedly about finally touching his “first gold medal” and thanking the fencing team, coaches, and spectators. He concluded the post by playfully challenging Choi to continue training, adding a touch of humor and camaraderie to the historic event. This synergy between sports high-achievers and popular entertainment figures highlights the broad societal impact of the team’s success.
The achievement at the National Games offers more than just a medal; it provides a powerful psychological boost for Hong Kong athletes heading into the next Olympic cycle and future regional championships. The historic win unequivocally demonstrates that sustained excellence in training and targeted support can translate into top-tier results against the best competitors in the region.
As Hong Kong prepares to host more major international sporting events, this inaugural fencing gold serves as a powerful reminder of the territory’s growing prowess in competitive athletics, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence in previously untapped disciplines.