Hong Kong official urges student athletes to shine at World Schools Games
Hong Kong's culture and sports minister addressed a flag-presentation ceremony for the 21st World Schools Games, encouraging 38 student athletes to gain experience and show resilience in Rio de Janeiro from 3-8 December.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism addressed the flag-presentation ceremony for the 21st World Schools Games China Hong Kong Schools Delegation on 10 November 2026. The secretary said it was the first time he had attended a schools sports flag ceremony, having previously attended those for the Asian Games, National Games and Youth Olympic Games. He described the student athletes as the next generation of the city's sports talent pipeline.
The World Schools Games, a biennial event for student athletes, will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 3 to 8 December 2026. The China Hong Kong delegation will comprise 38 student competitors taking part in athletics and beach volleyball. The secretary encouraged the athletes to gain valuable competition experience and show resilience against opponents who may be larger or stronger.
The secretary cited examples of Hong Kong athletes who had progressed from the schools level to the Asian Games and Olympic Games. He noted that swimmer Ma Ziling, who performed well at the Asian Games in Nagoya, had previously competed in the World Schools Games and won medals. He also mentioned fencer Ho Shing-him, who at age 17 won a gold medal at the World Youth Games, breaking the previous record of a silver medal by Chun Yin-yin.
The secretary thanked the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation for organising inter-school competitions and for partnering with the government. Since the 2013/14 academic year, the federation has worked with the government on a student athlete sponsorship scheme to support underprivileged students with equipment and training. From the 2024/25 academic year, a city sports sponsorship scheme has funded urban sports training classes in primary and secondary schools.
The secretary also expressed gratitude to principals, teachers, coaches and parents for their support. He said society no longer required young people to choose between sports and academics, noting that athletes could continue their studies and vocational training alongside their sporting careers. He wished the delegation success and urged the athletes to enjoy the competition and tell the Hong Kong story through their determination, conduct and sportsmanship.
