SAR's first-ever medal at Games underlines growing cooperation

Kuok Kin-hang won Macao's first-ever medal at the National Games on Saturday, underlining the growing importance of the showpiece to the special administrative region.

Ever since the Games opened last week in Xi'an, the team's athletes have been keen to stress the manifold benefits－both on and off the field of play－of competing against and cooperating with their compatriots from the Chinese mainland. Kuok's bronze medal in the men's karate competition gives extra credence to that notion.

"I'm really satisfied with my performance today. This is a very special moment for me and it's an honor for me to win the first medal for my delegation. This is very important for us," said Kuok.

"Previously, I hadn't participated in any big tournaments for nearly two years (due to the pandemic), so I actually didn't know how good my rivals were going to be. The only thing I could do is trust myself.

"Actually I was pretty nervous the day before the match, and I woke at 4 in the morning on the match day. No one set me a target, but I put plenty of pressure on myself. I just told myself the goal this time is a medal."

This is the Macao team's sixth trip to the quadrennial National Games, which this year is being hosted by Shaanxi province, from Sept 15-27. The delegation boasts a total of 102 athletes who are participating in 20 sports, including swimming, shooting, table tennis and badminton.

Veteran Macao triathlete Hoi Long credits the Games as being a massive motivational force throughout her athletic career.

"Looking back over the four National Games that I have competed in, I have different experiences at each edition. But what remains the same is that I can always see the addition of younger and stronger triathletes from the Chinese mainland," Hoi, who competed at the 2018 Asian Games, told China Daily during a WeChat interview on Saturday.

"Especially, during the last decade, the development of triathlon across the nation has been rapid. But I still met my old rival Zhang Yi (of Sichuan province), who has also competed at four National Games.

"It must have been tough for her to maintain the high level of training in the national team for all these years. And being able to reach the podium (winning silver) once again at the age of 34 is a great achievement for her."

Hoi's feats in triathlon are also impressive, especially considering she lost her hearing when she was a baby. But she never considers herself different to others, and credits sports with giving her exceptional mental strength.

"My hearing loss means I have trouble verbally communicating with others, but that does not mean I have a disability in sports," Hoi said.

"During my daily training, it can be a little bit dangerous if I ride a bicycle alone on the road as I cannot hear the sound of cars. Also, I'm a little bit slower than other athletes at the start line, as I can only set off after I see others start.

"Now the spirit of the triathlon motivates me in every aspect of life, and it can help me overcome all difficulties."

Close cooperation

Like many of her Macao teammates, Hoi is an amateur athlete who holds down a day job, in her case as an office worker. Hoi said sports in Macao have received huge help from the Chinese mainland, and she hopes to see more cooperation in the future.

"More and more young Macao athletes are choosing to turn professional, which will benefit Macao's sports development. But there's still a lack of sports science talent in Macao, so in this regard we can benefit from more cooperation with the Chinese mainland," she said.

"Actually we already have close cooperation with the Chinese mainland. The General Administration of Sport of China has given us huge support. For instance, they have sent coaches to help Macao athletes in sports like table tennis, diving and martial arts.

"Also, many sports experts from the Chinese mainland have come to Macao to give lectures and hold discussions."

Macao's karate athlete Wong Sok-i, who participated in the 2018 Asian Games, is equally excited to test herself against the nation's top athletes in Xi'an, and insists the tough competition at the Games pushes her to try harder.

"For us, we always need more competitive rivals to play against, but (in Macao) I don't have enough strong rivals in my category," said Wong.

"I really hope we can have a training camp with the top karate athletes from across the nation for several weeks, so we can train and grow together."

Che Kuong-im, the team leader of the Macao karate squad, says strengthening the ties between athletes from the Chinese mainland and Macao is a win-win situation for all concerned.

"There are a total of 10 people, including eight athletes, in our team at the National Games. Two of them won medals at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta," Che told China Youth Daily.

"Macao's karate scene is growing fast, and we have been receiving great support. More and more amateur athletes are turning professional. More under-14 kids are in particular starting to embrace the sport."

Che also emphasizes how the National Games act as something of an idea exchange.

"We are so glad to participate in the National Games, which offer a great communication platform," he added. "We can really see the quick growth of the karate athletes here, and Macao athletes can compete with high-level rivals, among whom many are world champions and Olympics medalists. They are very competitive and we should learn from them.

"We would relish more chances to train with athletes from the Chinese mainland and, in turn, we would love to welcome them to Macao."

Learning curve

Indeed, Macao will co-host the next edition of the National Games along with Hong Kong and Guangdong province. Officials from the Macao delegation are, therefore, keenly observing the operational side of things in Shaanxi this month.

"The organization of this year's National Games is very comprehensive and professional, which is a valuable experience for the organizers of the next National Games to learn from," said Pun Weng-kun, the deputy director of the Macao delegation.

"The pandemic-prevention regulations are especially impressive. All participants need to have regular COVID-19 test and health condition checks.

"The bio-secure bubble at the National Games is really reassuring. We have absolute confidence in our health and safety.

"The National Games are elite level, and our delegation boasts many young athletes. We hope they can level up their strength through the Games.

"I also came to watch how Xi'an is operating all the events here, and have learned a great deal from the smooth operation of everything.

"I must say, Xi'an is a wonderful place. This is my second trip to the city. This year's National Games will for sure be successful. I hope to get a chance to visit the Terracotta Warriors after the Games finish."