Cash incentives to reward top Hong Kong athletes competing in next month’s National Games will be 50 percent more than previously earmarked, the government announced on Wednesday.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law made the announcement at a flag presentation ceremony, saying she hopes people around the country can witness the "fighting spirit" of athletes from the SAR.

"To further encourage Hong Kong athletes to give their all in the National Games, the Hong Kong Jockey Club [Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme] is increasing the original amount earmarked for the scheme by 50 percent," Law said.

"This means the prize money for winning a gold medal at an individual event will rise to HK$750,000, and for a team event that will increase to HK$1.5 million for winning gold."

Hong Kong is sending its largest delegation of more than 600 athletes to the nationwide games that will be co-hosted by the SAR, Guangdong and Macau.

Chief Executive John Lee, who presented the SAR flag to the delegation, encouraged the athletes to do their best and perform well.