A determined contingent of 23 athletes from Hong Kong is gearing up for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris, with aspirations to elevate their performances across eight sports, including archery, boccia, and wheelchair fencing.
Among the competitors is badminton star Daniel Chan, who will compete in the men’s singles. After securing a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020, the 39-year-old is aiming to improve his standing. “I would like to finish all my competitions in a healthy way, because there are too many injuries through the years,” Chan stated. “A medal would be another thing. I hope to change the color of my medal this time.”
This Paralympics will be particularly bittersweet for Chan, as he plans to retire following the games. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed a desire to savor every moment. “I wish I could enjoy every moment during the Paralympics and try to write down and keep all the memories,” he said.
In addition to Chan, boccia athlete Ho Yuen-kei is set to compete in both the women’s individual and mixed pairs events. With her experience, Ho is optimistic about her chances. “Last time in Tokyo, we ranked fourth, just a little bit off from getting a medal,” she recalled. “Our target is to try our best and get the medal for Hong Kong.”
Young swimmer Ng Cheuk-yan, just 14 years old, has also made headlines by breaking the 200m breaststroke world record at the Citi Para Swimming World Series, securing her spot at the Paralympics. As a first-time participant, Ng expressed excitement about her upcoming events. “I will do my best and enjoy the competition,” she said.
As these athletes prepare to represent Hong Kong on the world stage, their commitment and aspirations resonate, inspiring hope and pride for the SAR’s Paralympic journey. The Games promise to be a showcase of resilience and determination as athletes strive to achieve their personal bests in Paris.
