Cash rewards of up to HK$2 million will be offered for outstanding performances under the latest phase of Hong Kong's athlete incentive programme.

Organisers confirmed that the latest phase of the scheme will encompass several high-profile competitions, including the Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Japan this year, the 2027 Winter Universiade, the 2027 World University Games, the National Winter Games in 2028 and the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympic Games later that year.

The Asian Games, scheduled for September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, will be the first major event covered by the initiative.

The Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, organised by the Hong Kong Sports Institute and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, held its kick-off ceremony on Wednesday to announce the continuation of financial support for SAR athletes competing in major multi-sport events.

The scheme will provide cash awards to athletes securing gold, silver, and bronze medals in both individual and team categories, with individual gold medallists receiving HK$1 million and team gold medallists earning HK$2 million.

Martial artist Samuel Hui, who claimed a full set of gold, silver and bronze medals in wushu across the 2021 World University Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games held in 2023, emphasised that the incentive scheme offers more than just monetary rewards.

"This reward is not simply a round of applause after a performance. It provides practical financial support in our daily lives," he said.

"Beyond that surface-level financial aspect, it serves as affirmation of our training results, the effort and dedication we have invested, and even the support from our families. To us, that validation means a great deal."

Olympic medallist and star swimmer Siobhan Haughey offered words of encouragement for young athletes preparing for upcoming competitions, urging them to prioritise the experience over outcomes.

"I think sometimes we pay too much attention to competition results. I want to encourage everyone to focus more on your training process and enjoy the whole journey," she said.

"When you feel you need help, you should rely on the support network around you – whether it's your coach, teammates, family, and so on – because there are many people who support you."

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner for Sport George Tsoi highlighted the remarkable achievements of SAR athletes in recent years.

He pointed to steady improvement, citing the SAR's performance at the Asian Games.

Hong Kong, China secured 53 medals in Hangzhou, up from 46 in Jakarta-Palembang in 2018.

Tsoi also said that Hong Kong athletes and coaches are now in full preparation mode for the upcoming Games and expressed his hope that the team would reach new heights.

Under the previous phase of the scheme from 2023 to 2026, more than 220 athletes received incentive awards totalling over HK$94.66 million.


Edited by Edmond Fong