Veterans, rookies chase Asian Games fencing glory

Hong Kong will field a mix of experienced fencers and promising newcomers at the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, aiming to match or exceed the medal count from the previous edition in Hangzhou. The delegation of 24 athletes will compete in individual and team events across foil, épée, and sabre. Head coach Zheng Kangzhao emphasized the focus on a balanced squad, with several debutants rising to compete on par with, or even surpassing, their more experienced teammates.

Zheng highlighted that the team's strength is now more evenly distributed, with no single event overwhelming the others. The fencing team from the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou won one gold, one silver, and seven bronze medals. The foil squad, comprising Edgar Cheung, Ryan Choi, Harris Ho, and Leung Chin-yu, is a key contender, having previously secured a silver medal at the World Championships.

Reigning Asian Games individual foil champion Cheung, representing his fourth appearance for the SAR, aims to approach the competition with a calm mindset. Other notable fencers include 17-year-old debutant Ho, targeting a team gold medal, and Leung, who shares his debut Games experience with his older brother in the sabre event.