The National Games' bowling competition began on Friday at the Kai Tak Sports Park, with bowlers competing as individuals in the first of three days of matches in the mass participation event.

Hong Kong has 10 athletes taking part, facing off against more than 20 teams across the country for the top prize.

The SAR's Boco Wong, who was among the first bowlers in action, said he needs to adjust to the new bowling lanes.

"I think there's room for improvement in terms of how I performed. There were some minor mistakes, I think I can rectify them and do better," he told RTHK.

"I think a couple of my teammates have a better shot at the individual event. We hope the two of them can lead us to have a chance at making the podium for the team event."

The family of Wong's teammate on the women's side, Milki Ng, were in attendance to show support.

Her sister said Ng has spent lots of effort preparing for the Games while working and studying part-time.

Athletes will compete in the doubles on Saturday, with the five-a-side team event due to take place on Sunday.

Visitors from different parts of the country are in town to support their teams.

One of them is the mother of Shanghai's Sun Luming, who said the new facilities in Kai Tak are top-class.

"The facilities here are better than the ones we have on the mainland. The lanes are very much in line with international standards," she told RTHK.

"For the bowling centres on the mainland, the conditions are a little bit worse than what you have here in Hong Kong."

Other fans said they came to the SAR not only to watch the Games, but to also do some shopping and sightseeing.