Hong Kong athletes did city proud at Asian Games

Hong Kong's 472-strong squad of athletes won just six gold medals at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, but that is no indication of underperformance or a lack of sporting talent, as might be expected.

The per capita haul was diluted by the decision to send our city's largest ever team. This followed criticism of the Hong Kong Olympic Committee for neglecting team sports in its selection. Although team sports, with few exceptions, are not our strong point, it was decided to include as many as possible.

As a result, Hong Kong was represented in 10 team events, with only the rugby sevens squad looking likely to win a medal of any kind; the team took the silver. The real story of the gold-medal haul is more uplifting. It lies in what it takes to be internationally competitive in the age of professional sport.

Talent, part-time training and turning up - or even access to the world-class training facilities at the Sports Institute - are no longer enough to guarantee success in the professional age. What sets our top-liners apart are the personal and competitive elements of an insatiable desire to be the best - full-time commitment, dedication and sacrifice. A reflection of what it takes is to be found in the post-victory remarks of double cycling gold-medal winner Sarah Lee Wai-sze. The first thing the Olympic bronze medallist wanted to do when she got home from months of gruelling international competition and training was to have dinner with her grandmother.

Lee has earned the HK$400,000 incentive for each gold medal under a Hang Seng Bank scheme, taking her total since 2010 to HK$2.5 million. Two more golds were won in windsurfing and one each in rowing and gymnastics, with the surprising - and exciting - win of Shek Wai-hung in the men's vault. That Lee and Shek grew up in public housing is inspiration and encouragement for the least advantaged in society. But it is the will to be the best, not mere financial rewards, driving athletes. In that regard, Hong Kong did well, finishing 13th of the 37 states and territories that won medals.