Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today visited the Hong Kong Sports Institute to learn about the athletes’ preparation for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

Mr Yeung toured the institute’s fencing, badminton and Wushu halls, where he and the other visiting officials met elite athletes and coaches to find out more about their training arrangements and the support provided by the institute.

He also took the opportunity to express his best wishes to the athletes, hoping that they will give their best and bring glory to Hong Kong.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr Yeung met judo and cricket athletes while they were preparing for the games at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre and the Craigengower Cricket Club.

The Asian Games and Asian Para Games will be held in Hangzhou during September 23 to October 8 and October 22 to 28 respectively.

The sports chief stressed that it means a lot for the athletes of the Hong Kong, China delegation to compete in their country.

Mr Yeung added that during their stay in Hangzhou, he hopes the athletes will gain a deeper understanding of the country’s development, have more exchanges and interactions with athletes of other delegations, and demonstrate the demeanour of a great Hong Kong athlete.

Hong Kong, China will send about 660 and about 98 athletes for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games respectively.

In addition to the institute’s support to athletes competing in elite sports events, the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau has also approved a grant of $77 million in preparation funding to support other athletes and their teams as they prepare for both games.