Xi’an, China, September 20, 2021: Macau karateka Kuok Kin Hang made history on Saturday, September 18, by delivering the Special Administrative Region’s first ever medal at China’s 14th National Games.
Kuok, a gold medalist at the 2013 East Asian Games, beat Song Zhengwang from Zhejiang Province to claim bronze in the men’s kata (forms) event, Xinhua News Agency reports.
This is the first time that a Macau athlete has stepped on the National Games podium since the region made its debut at China’s quadrennial multi-sport event in 2001.
“I’m glad to take this honour. It’s a special moment for Macau sports. It means that Macao athletes can do something on this big stage,” said Kuok, 28.
“I kept pushing myself and didn’t eat too much since yesterday. It’s my first time competing at the National Games, and I was hungry to win a medal for my team,” he said.
“I’m so glad to compete with other Chinese competitors on such a huge stage, since I haven’t had any events outside Macao because of the pandemic,” Kuok added.
Macau, Hong Kong and Guangdong province will co-host the 15th National Games of China in 2025.