HK paddlers back home after World Uni Games triumph
A welcome ceremony was held at the airport for the SAR's table tennis team, having won one gold and three bronze medals at the World University Games. Photo: RTHK
Hong Kong, China's table tennis team received a warm welcome at the airport after returning from the World University Games in Germany on Saturday, having won one gold and three bronze medals.
The historic gold medal was won by the men's doubles pair of Baldwin Chan and Yiu Kwan-to, marking Hong Kong's first-ever gold in table tennis at the World University Games.
Chan described the victory as a thrilling surprise.
'We feel very happy because this is our first World University Games. Our original aim was to fight for a medal. We never imagined winning gold. Being able to win makes us feel very surprised,' he said.
Yiu expressed special gratitude to head coach Chan Kong-wah, who came out of retirement to lead the SAR team.
He said the coach's encouragement was crucial, especially after a difficult quarter-final men's team match, where Yiu lost both games he played.
'When I almost broke down after the team event loss, he never gave up on me and kept encouraging me to fight and forget the games. He lent me a hand to pull me up when I was at my lowest. I really want to thank him for this gold,' he said.
Hong Kong, China has so far won seven medals at this year's World University Games, including two golds, one silver, and four bronzes.
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