Officials from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao formally concluded the 15th National Games (known as the Quanjunhui), successfully handing over the torch to the next host province, Hunan, following a joint staging that underscored deeper Greater Bay Area integration. The closing ceremony, held in Shenzhen on Monday evening, featured the transfer of the games’ flag and heralded the culmination of a major sporting event that was described by organizers as both “simple, safe, and splendid.”
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee attended the ceremony alongside National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Chairman Wang Huning, praising the collective effort of the three jurisdictions after they jointly hosted the multisport event for the first time. In a statement released shortly after the proceedings, Mr. Lee credited the central government’s trust and the robust support from the General Administration of Sport for enabling the integrated approach, which he stated “jointly composed a new chapter in the integrated development of the Greater Bay Area.”
Hong Kong Teams Achieve Record Medal Haul
The successful execution of the games was matched by the exceptional performance of the Hong Kong delegation. The territory’s athletes achieved a historic haul, securing 19 medals in total, comprising nine golds, two silvers, and eight bronzes.
Mr. Lee expressed immense pride in the athletes’ achievements, highlighting the standout performances that contributed significantly to the record tally. Notably, cyclist Lee Sze-wing secured an impressive three gold medals in her events, while swimmer Siobhan Haughey earned two golds and two bronzes.
Hong Kong athletes demonstrated broad competence across various disciplines, collecting podium finishes in competitive sports including sailing, cycling, tennis, swimming, rugby, triathlon, and fencing. Officials hailed the results as a testament to the persistent hard work and unity within the entire delegation.
Unity and Legacy: Transforming Sporting Passion into National Power
The Chief Executive acknowledged that the games’ success was not only a reflection of the athletes but also the dedication of coaches, referees, staff, and thousands of volunteers who fueled the event with their enthusiasm.
“They used their passion to warm the fields of competition and their sweat to light up dreams,” Mr. Lee remarked, reflecting on the shared, unforgettable Quanjunhui experience.
Following the conclusion of the 15th National Games, Mr. Lee emphasized that the competitive spirit and passion generated by the major event would be channeled into sustained efforts to strengthen China’s sporting capabilities. The government plans to convert the high-octane atmosphere into “momentum for the construction of a strong sports nation.”
Crucially, the joint hosting arrangement between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao is viewed by analysts as a significant step in realizing the vision of greater economic and social integration within the burgeoning Greater Bay Area cluster, demonstrating administrative and logistical synergy on a grand scale. The successful handover ensures the continuity of one of China’s most significant recurring sporting events, now set to take place in Hunan Province. Mr. Lee concluded by urging citizens to continue offering their full support to the Chinese Hong Kong athletes as they pursue future international competitions.
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