APG 2022: Hong Kong Sweeps the podium clean on the first day of Hangzhou 2022
The Asian Para Games in Hangzhou 2022, east China’s Zhejiang Province, was declared open yesterday after one-year delay.
With over 3,000 athletes showcasing the finest Para sports talents at the multisport event that took place a year ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the Games were a significant milestone.
Osmanthus flowers in full bloom at opening ceremony of APG Hangzhou 2022. Photo Credit: Asian Paralympic Committee
After a one-year postponement due to the impact of COVID-19, participants from 44 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) competed in 564 medal events spanning 22 sports. This event, which concluded on October 28, holds a crucial position on the path to Paris 2024 and offers qualifying opportunities in select sports. The Asian Para Games were officially inaugurated by China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.
Athletes with intellectual impairments hailing from Asian regions are gearing up to compete fiercely across various events in Athletics, Swimming, and Table Tennis at the games.
Athletics
Reina Hori of Japan took an early lead in the F20 Women’s Shot-Put, impressively topping the scoreboard with her first attempt, launching the shot to a distance of 11.43m. She continued to dominate the event and ultimately set a new Asian Record at 11.93m. Indonesian athlete Suparni Yati secured the second position with a throw of 11.12m, while Noor Imanina Binti Idris from India settled for third place with a distance of 11.08m.
Swimming
(L-R) Hong Kong’s Tsun Lok Cheung, Wai Lok Tang and Hon Yin Wong. Photo Credit: China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee
The first day of the competition witnessed Hong Kong’s outstanding performance, as they dominated the podium in the S14 Men’s 200m Freestyle event. Virtus Ambassador Wai Lok Tang set a new Asian Para Games record with a remarkable time of 1:56.76 seconds, followed closely by Tsun Lok Cheung at 1:57.34 seconds and Hon Yin Wong at 2:00.65 seconds. A triumphant start for Hong Kong in this event!
Aira Kinoshita from Japan delivered a memorable performance, clinching the title in the S14 Women’s 200m Freestyle with a time of 2:22.44 seconds, narrowly missing the Asian record by just one second. The competition intensified, particularly in the battle between Nattharinee Khajhonmatha of Thailand and Japan’s Mami Inoue. Nattharinee ultimately secured the second spot, outpacing Mami by a mere 0.01.76 seconds. A thrilling display of talent and determination!
Table Tennis
Chen Po Yen at GG2023. Photo Credit: Kellerman
In the Men’s Singles Group A, the emerging talent from Chinese Taipei, Chen Po Yen, secured a decisive victory over Hong Kong’s Ming Fai Tsoi, with a clean 3-0 score.
In Group B, Techo Master Narawit (THA) faced a tough challenge from Kim Gi Tae (KOR) and was defeated with a score of 3-0.
In Group C, Takeshi Takemori (JPN) exhibited his skills with a flawless 3-0 win over Chung Yan Leung (HKG).
Group D witnessed a dominant performance by Kim Chang Gi (KOR) as he swept to a 3-0 victory against Asano Takashi (JPN).
Group E featured a competitive match, with Wai Lok Wan (HKG) emerging victorious over Koya Kato (JPN) with a score of 3-1
In the Women’s singles Group A, Wada Natsuki (JPN) displayed her prowess as she swept to a convincing 3-0 victory over Jing Shiuan Li (TPE).
In Group B, Wong Ting Ting (HKG) engaged in a fierce contest with Ito Maki (JPN), ultimately securing a hard-fought 3-2 win.
Group C witnessed a dominant performance by Kanami Furukawa (JPN) as she clinched a decisive 3-0 victory over YangHee Seo (KOR).
In Group D, NG Mui Wui (HKG) exhibited her skills with a resounding 3-0 win over Li Lydia Yi-Ya (TPE).
Meanwhile, Mok Nui Yan (MAC) triumphed with a 3-1 victory over Deekam Phimolphan from Thailand, showcasing her talent on the table.
Schedule and live results can be accessed from Hangzhou 2022 website.
