The Hong Kong, China Men's and Women's Sevens squads joined up with the rest of the Hong Kong delegation earlier today as they headed to Hangzhou in preparation for the opening of the 19^th Asian Games this Saturday. 

During the farewell ceremony at the airport, Mr. Kenneth Fok Kai-Kong, Vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and Head of the Hong Kong Delegation, announced that the honour of carrying the HKSAR flags during the opening ceremony would be shared by wushu star Juanita Mok Uen-Ying and our very own Salom Yiu Kam-Shing, the much loved Sevens veteran.

Kenneth Fok explained that their selection was not only a reflection of their personal achievements but also gave an opportunity to showcase the diversity of talent within the Delegation.  He paid tribute to the strong team spirit of the Rugby Sevens squads that has contributed to their track record of success, including the Men’s historic Gold Medal in Jakarta.  He also acknowledged Salom’s remarkable longevity which will see him represent Hong Kong, China at a record 4^thAsian Games, and hoped he would be able to add to his impressive tally of 2 Silver and 1 Gold Medals.   

Salom Yiu stated that he was “exceptionally honoured and proud” to be appointed as flag bearer, and expressed his hope of finishing his Asian Games career on a high. He said, "Being a flag bearer is just fantastic, and will give me even greater motivation leading into the competition. As this will be my fourth and final Asian Games, I am determined to give it everything and bring home a medal for our city.”

Mr. Robbie McRobbie, CEO of the Hong Kong China Rugby, expressed his delight at Salom’s selection; “I’ve watched Salom play since he was just a young lad, and he has been an outstanding servant to our sport and a wonderful ambassador and role model.  I know that the whole of the rugby community will be absolutely delighted for him, and I’m sure it will spur on our Men as they defend their title and our Women as they aim for a first ever podium finish.”

Photo credit : Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China