The SAR team on Sunday won their first gold medal of the 19th Asian Games, in the men's pair rowing event.

The duo of Lam San-tung and Wong Wai-chun were behind Uzbekistan's Dilshodjon Khudoyberdiev and Shehroz Hakimov throughout the first 1,000 metres.

But they overtook their opponents just after halfway and pulled in front to cross the finish line in six minutes 44 seconds, three seconds ahead of the Uzbeks, who took silver.

The head of the Hong Kong, China, delegation Kenneth Fok praised the pair.

"Lam San-tung and Wong Wai-chun displayed drive and determination during the competition. They successfully closed the gap with a fierce comeback, winning a gold medal for Team Hong Kong, China."

"We wish Hong Kong athletes will continue to achieve remarkable results in other sports," he added.

Culture and sports minister Kevin Yeung congratulated the athletes, saying they "brought their talent into full play and strived for the best".

"It is encouraging to see them winning the first gold for the Hong Kong, China, team in the Hangzhou Asian Games this year and bringing glory to Hong Kong," Yeung said in Hangzhou.

"Having witnessed their triumph in person, I could feel athletes’ concentration during competition and their joy after winning."

India's Yadav Babu Lal and Ram Lekh took bronze, completing the top three.
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Last updated: 2023-09-24 HKT 12:01