Macau’s karate hero receives Medal of Merit in 2021 Honours List

Kuok Kin Hang with his bronze medal at China’s National Games in Xi'an on September 18, 2021. © CFP
Kuok Kin Hang with his bronze medal at China’s National Games in Xi'an on September 18, 2021. © CFP

Macau, China, December 21, 2021: Macau’s National Games karate hero Kuok Kin Hang has been named in the 2021 Honours List of the Macau Special Administrative Region government. 

Kuok, 28, made history by delivering the Macau SAR’s first ever medal at China's National Games in men's karate on Saturday, September 18, 2021. For this achievement he received the Medal of Merit.

Kuok, a gold medalist at the 2013 East Asian Games, beat Song Zhengwang from Zhejiang Province to claim the bronze in the men's kata (forms) event.

This was the first time a Macau athlete had 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 Macau athletes can do something on this big stage," Kuok said at the time.

The 2021 Honours List singles out 10 remarkable citizens, including Kuok, business leaders and artists, and 12 organisations.

Certificates of Merit were awarded to Special Olympics swimming medallist Chen Yu Chia and medal-winning swimmer Chen Pui Lam.

The Honours List is based on recommendations by the government-appointed Medals and Honorary Titles Nomination Committee, The Macau Post Daily reported.