SAR boccia player John Loung on Monday won Hong Kong's first gold medal in the Paris Paralympics, bowling his way to victory in the men's individual BC1 final.

Loung, who is competing in his fourth Paralympics, beat Jung Sung-joon of South Korea 4-1 to reach the top of the podium.

The SAR athlete went ahead by scoring two points in end one, and then added a point in each of the next two ends, before Jung responded with a point in the final end.

Loung cheered and waved to the crowd after his victory.

Speaking on behalf of Loung after the match, his coach Marco Lau said the athlete did not think it was possible to reach the final, let alone win a gold medal.

Loung also paid tribute to his coaches as well as veteran boccia star Leung Yuk-wing.

"Thank you to our head coach, Kwok [Hart-wing], and other coaches who have helped me a lot. And also, thank you to Leung Yuk-wing, for assisting his teammates quite a bit in their training," he said.

Chief Executive John Lee congratulated Loung on winning gold.

"John Loung demonstrated unwavering determination and superb skills in the competition, claiming the first gold medal for the Hong Kong, China Delegation at this year's Paralympic Games," Lee said in a statement.

"His gold medal is well-deserved. All Hong Kong people and I are thrilled and proud of his outstanding performance."

The SAR has won three medals at the Paralympics so far, which include a silver and bronze in swimming.
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Last updated: 2024-09-02 HKT 21:08