Relishing the warm hospitality and elite-level competition, Hong Kong's athletes and officials say they feel right "at home" at the ongoing National Games in Shaanxi province.

"I really enjoy participating in the National Games, because here we feel we are back home," said Cheng King-leung, the acting director of the Hong Kong delegation.

"When we participate in international tournaments, fans probably do not notice or know us when the Hong Kong athletes walk into the stadium.

"But just take a look at the opening ceremony of the 14th National Games, all the spectators in Xi'an were cheering for us when the Hong Kong delegation entered the stadium."

Sports climber Au Chi-fung, the flagbearer of the Hong Kong delegation at the opening ceremony, is among those HK athletes who are deeply impressed by passion of the spectators in Xi'an.

"I heard deafening sounds of cheering when I stepped into the stadium during the opening ceremony. I was so excited. When I heard them cheering for us, I just wanted to wave our flag faster to respond them, but actually the flag is really heavy," Au told China Daily.

"I felt the warm atmosphere inside the stadium. The spectators in different sections cheered for us, raising the volume once we were close to them. Our Hong Kong athletes made sure to wave back and interact with them."

This is Hong Kong's seventh appearance at the National Games since debuting in 1997. This year the HK delegation boasts 169 athletes competing in 18 sports, and by their own assessment, the experience is proving mutually beneficial.

"Hong Kong people love many sports stars from the Chinese mainland. It's not just about their athletic achievements. More importantly, the stories of their effort and persistence to win is very encouraging," Leung told Nanfang Metropolis Daily.

"The young diving Olympic champion Quan Hongchan is very famous in Hong Kong now, for example, because it's been a long time since we have witnessed a diver of such talent. In addition, sprinter Su Bingtian gave all the Chinese people huge inspiration and also refreshed the Asian (100m) record.

"I also noticed the news that players from the Hong Kong table tennis team were thrilled to shake hands with Olympic champion Liu Shiwen at the National Games. They are so glad to have a chance to communicate and learn from the Guangdong squad.

"I think it's a good thing that people are discovering more about our Hong Kong athletes. I know some of our athletes have been very active in the Chinese mainland. Apart from their performances on the field of play, they have many more other shining characteristics, such as their spirit of fighting against the odds, which can inspire the next generation in China."

Leveling up

Many athletes in the Hong Kong delegation are amateurs who hold down day jobs. Winning medals is, therefore, often an unrealistic goal, but the opportunity to participate in the National Games is still precious to them.

Kong Chun-ki, a PE teacher from Hong Kong, made her debut at the Games in Xi'an, competing in the women's 100m sprint, where she failed to progress from the qualifying round.

"This is my first National Games and it's a dream come true for me to compete with the nation's top sprinters," said Kong.

"We are not that competitive compared to our opponents. But we are so excited to attend such a high-level event. Being able to participate in the National Games is the most important thing for us."

Another Hong Kong sprinter, Lee Hau-yi, concurred.

"Our rivals are all very competitive, and they are streaks ahead of us. For me, just to find and maintain my pace on the track is enough," said Lee.

"I only participated in the national youth championship in 2019 before. So I really want to have more opportunities to participate in more high-level tournaments like the National Games in the future. That's how I can level up."

In addition to the obvious athletic benefits, the Games are also culturally enriching, according to Hong Kong delegation chief Cheng.

"Due to the pandemic, it's not easy for Hong Kong athletes to compete with elite athletes across the nation. So this feeling of reunion is great," Cheng told Xinhua.

"I always tell the young athletes in Hong Kong to travel to other provinces and cities in the Chinese mainland. I know they now watch a lot of reality shows from the Chinese mainland, but they need to actually feel the development of our country. More communication would bring them an even greater sense of pride in being Chinese."

Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong province will co-host the 15th National Games in 2025, which Cheng rates as a huge boost to the Greater Bay Area.

"I'm thrilled to know that we are going to co-host the next National Games. This year the National Games are being staged in Shaanxi province, which is the first station of the Belt and Road Initiative. Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are like the southern gate of our nation," Cheng added.

"The Greater Bay Area is full of opportunities. The next National Games will only unite us more and also boost the development of the Greater Bay Area. I think it's a gift that the nation gives to us.

"Also the organizational work at this National Games in Shaanxi has been of an extremely high standard, the same level as an international tournament, in fact. So there are many things for us to learn here."

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