Hengqin: Hong Kong sports chief Timothy Fok Tsun-ting emphasized that China's 15th National Games has been pivotal in enhancing the integration of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. He expressed hope that sports will continue to act as a bridge across these regions.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Fok, who is the president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, attended the tennis men's singles final at the Hengqin International Tennis Center in Guangdong. In a post-game interview, he remarked that the event has fueled development across the Greater Bay Area and strengthened connectivity among its cities.

The event also attracted notable international figures, including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach, along with leaders from several global sports federations. Fok accompanied them on multiple site visits, noting that the National Games garnered international attention and left a lasting impression on many visitors.

"We took the opportunity to help them understand Hong Kong's development and introduce the Greater Bay Area vision," Fok stated. "They were surprised by what they saw. The sports facilities and organizational capacity on display are crucial for the region's domestic and international exchanges in the future."

Hong Kong athletes achieved historic milestones in tennis during this year's Games. Rising star Coleman Wong, the second seed in the men's singles event, won a bronze medal, marking Hong Kong's best result in the category, after contributing to a bronze medal in the youth men's team event.

"I love tennis and practice an hour every day, though not in competition format," Fok said. "The final was exciting. Tennis has developed quickly nationwide, and Hong Kong players have also performed well. With such good tennis facilities in the Greater Bay Area, I hope we will have more exchanges on tennis in the future."

Since Hong Kong's first participation in the National Games in 1997, this year marks a unique collaboration as a co-host with Guangdong and Macao, hosting events such as under-22 men's basketball, track cycling, fencing, golf, men's handball, rugby sevens, triathlon, and beach volleyball.

"Hong Kong has taken part in every edition since 1997, but this one is unique because it is jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao," Fok said. He added that the preparations for the Games have spurred development across the Greater Bay Area, offering valuable opportunities for athlete exchanges and elevating the sporting level in Hong Kong and Macao.

Fok noted that China's rapid sports development mirrors the country's broader growth and regional momentum. He highlighted that the National Games have deepened connections among young people across the Greater Bay Area. "I hope to see even more sports exchanges to further strengthen our integration," he added.

Many venues were upgraded with environmentally-friendly materials, Fok observed. "The event may last just a few weeks, but it leaves behind high-quality sports facilities for the Greater Bay Area. A strong sporting nation needs the participation of everyone, and I hope these venues will be shared by all."

Fok has been a long-time advocate for the inclusion of wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, in the Olympic Games. Wushu will be featured as a showcase sport at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics. "I took IOC officials to my hometown of Panyu district in Guangzhou to watch wushu competitions," he said. "I hope this helps them better understand the sport and takes us one step closer to its inclusion in the Olympic program."