In a thrilling finale witnessed by top government officials, the Hong Kong Men’s Rugby Sevens team clinched the gold medal at the 15th National Games, defeating the Shandong province team 26-19 at the newly opened Kai Tak Main Stadium yesterday evening. This victory marks Hong Kong’s fourth gold medal and the first to be awarded at the highly anticipated new sports complex, igniting widespread patriotic celebrations across the city and among senior government ranks.
The dramatic final saw the Hong Kong squad trail briefly before rallying with exceptional teamwork and formidable resolve, ultimately securing a hard-fought win against their Mainland counterparts. The victory was immediately celebrated by Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung, and Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, who all leveraged social media to share their elation and congratulations.
Triumph Under Pressure at Kai Tak
The atmosphere at the Kai Tak venue was described as electrifying, with fans and government leaders alike captivated by the fast-paced, high-intensity action characteristic of rugby sevens. Secretary Paul Lam, who attended the match with his wife, expressed profound joy at witnessing the men’s triumph, adding that the earlier performance of the women’s team, which finished fifth, also deserved hearty applause.
“As a Hong Kong person, I am clapping until my hands hurt,” Lam stated on his social media account. Beyond the competitive spirit of “friendship first, competition second,” Lam emphasized the broader significance of the Games, highlighting national unity. He urged that amid current critical periods of national development and various internal and external challenges, the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by athletes from different regions must be embraced by the entire nation.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung echoed the sentiment, praising the team’s exceptional dedication. He noted that the team achieved gold with a perfect record throughout the tournament, showcasing the very best of Hong Kong’s athletic grit and teamwork.
Government Leaders Share Excitement
Yeung admitted that the final was a nerve-wracking affair, recalling a moment when Hong Kong fell behind 12-14. “I was a little worried,” he confessed on social media. “But the Sevens team members are truly outstanding. They maximized teamwork, coupled with boundless fighting spirit, finally achieving five consecutive victories for Hong Kong and winning the gold medal.” He described the intensity of the moment as creating goosebumps, indicative of the widespread excitement among spectators.
Yeung also shared a heartwarming anecdote about exchanging supportive towels with several young athletes from the Anhui province team after the match, underscoring the friendly, big-family atmosphere of the National Games.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho titled her congratulatory post, “Witnessing the Power of Hong Kong in the Rugby Sevens.” Ho recounted deliberately leaving an earlier engagement to ensure she reached Kai Tak in time for the men’s final. She noted the visible support from other high-ranking officials and colleagues, observing the visceral reactions of the crowd as they cheered the Hong Kong team through what she described as a “rapid, explosive” game.
“Every tackle, pass, and sprint made everyone hold their breath at times, and cheer wildly at others,” Ho wrote. She added that her entire team stood up to cheer in the final minute, witnessing the score finalize at 26-19 and the subsequent eruption of joyful celebration for the champions.
The rugby gold brings Hong Kong’s total medal count at the 15th National Games to five, including four gold and one bronze across sailing, cycling, tennis, swimming, and now rugby. Secretary Yeung remains optimistic that more medals will follow and urged the public to continue their robust support for the Hong Kong delegation.
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