Hong Kong expects to send more than 500 people to the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, which are scheduled to open on 19 September, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said. The government will fully fund participation during the Games’ preparation period, compared with subsidies of about 90 per cent in the past.
Reports said the authorities had also relaxed some approval thresholds or restrictions linked to event size. The changes are intended to encourage more athletes to compete and gain practical experience.
Law said support for team sports would not be assessed solely by world rankings or the number of medals. The government would also consider public support and attendance, Ming Pao reported.
The final delegation details have not yet been confirmed. Ming Pao reported that the official list was planned for release in early September, while Star Headline said the final number of athletes would be announced at a flag presentation ceremony in September. The reports did not clarify whether they referred to different stages of the announcement.
Hong Kong’s table tennis team has also shown encouraging recent form, although the reports differed on the precise results. Ming Pao said the men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles had won silver medals at a table tennis Grand Smash event in Sweden. Star Headline said the three pairs had reached the finals, without stating their final results.
Star Headline reported that the Hong Kong team had trained with the mainland national team and exchanged with European players to improve technical skills and familiarity with opponents’ playing styles. Further team preparations and the September announcement of the delegation details are expected to follow.