The government on Monday held a flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong, China delegation at the World Games ahead of its start in Chengdu next month.

China is hosting the international multi-sports event for the first time. The World Games, held every four years, feature competitions in non-Olympic sports.

This year, approximately 4,000 athletes from nearly 120 countries and regions will compete in 34 sports.

Hong Kong’s 40-member delegation includes 22 athletes competing in billiards, water-skiing, karate, drone racing, wushu, orienteering, dancesport and squash.

The SAR won a record-breaking five medals at the 2022 Games, including a gold and four bronzes.

Karate athlete Grace Lau, a bronze medallist last time, said she hopes to reach the top of the podium this year.

The 33-year-old, who recently won her third straight title at the Asian Karate Championships, said playing in China gives her an edge.

“In the past two years, I've been competing in China more… And I had a very good experience,” she said.

“The food was great, the organiser was very good, and the environment was very advanced. I had a very good time in China competing, so I'm actually very excited for this time in Chengdu. And it's my first time to be in Chengdu. So I'm very excited for the environment, competition, training and culture there.”

Ho Tze-lok and Lee Ka-yi will compete in the women’s singles squash.

Ho, Hong Kong’s number one, said the World Games being held in China reminds her of the strong support she received at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago.

“Last time the Asian Games was in Hangzhou and it's also in China and then we got so many Chinese supporters. We were also familiar with the court so we are looking forward to this time in Chengdu,” she said.

The World Games will be held from August 7-17.