Manama, Bahrain, October 29, 2025: Hong Kong, China’s new generation of swimmers led by 16-year-old Li Sum Yiu are ready to take on the world as they starred in the pool at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
Li was the standout winning four gold medals in the blue-riband at Khalifa Sports City’s Olympic-sized pool at Isa Town by securing a golden double for the second straight day on Tuesday evening, October 28.
She won the 100 metres freestyle and the 50m butterfly in the girls’ events, adding to the two gold medals she won on Monday, in the 50m freestyle and as part of the Hong Kong team in the girls’ 4x100m freestyle relay.
“These remarkable achievements are a testament to the capability of our new generation of athletes and the result of unwavering dedication,” Hong Kong, China Chef de Mission Philip Mok told a Hong Kong radio station.
“Li delivered an exceptional performance from the heats through to the finals, growing stronger with each race,” added Mok, who is also the deputy secretary general of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.
She got stronger, indeed. On the second night of racing, the dimple-cheeked Li did it in style, establishing new Games records in both the 100m free (55.72 seconds) and the 50m butterfly (27.55) to underline her credentials as one to watch out for in Asia.
Watched by OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam, who is also the President of World Aquatics, Li could have won her fifth gold medal of the meet but was narrowly denied by China who pipped Hong Kong by 0.24 seconds in the girls’ 4x100m medley relay final.
Hong Kong, China has won a total of 15 medals, including six gold medals in the pool so far. Apart from Li’s four gold medals, the other two golds came from Chelsie Lam in the girls’ 200m breaststroke, and the boy’s 4x100m medley relay team.
Gilaine Ma also starred for Hong Kong, China, winning a gold medal being a part of the girls’ 4x100m freestyle relay, and three silver medals – second to Li in the 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle and in the 4x100m medley relay.
Hong Kong China’s most celebrated swimmer Siobhan Haughey, winner of four Olympic medals and four gold medals at World Championships, recently said: “Hong Kong is catching up with the big swim nations.”
Haughey also won two gold medals at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, in the women's 100m freestyle and 200m free events
Li and her gang of up-and-coming young swimmers are proving her right.
