Ivan Yang, Lydia Sham to be Asian Games flag bearers

The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, has selected basketball player Ivan Yang and wushu athlete Lydia Sham as the SAR's flag-bearers for the Asian Games opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya. The committee announced this in a statement on Thursday, following a flag-raising and team welcome ceremony at Nagoya Port Garden Pier.

Representatives from Hong Kong, China, joined the delegations from the Chinese mainland and Macao for the occasion. The three teams exchanged best wishes and aimed for outstanding achievements at the Games.

SAR contingent chef de mission Wong Po-kee expressed confidence in the athletes, stating that they had undergone long-term, dedicated training and were fully prepared for the Games. He hoped that they would enjoy competing and engaging with Asia's top athletes, give their best performance, and achieve new heights. Wong also urged everyone to support and stand behind every athlete.

Ivan Yang, who captained the men's under-22 team at last year's National Games, and Lydia Sham, who will be competing in her third Asian Games, were named the flag-bearers. Lydia Sham has previously won gold in the women's Changquan–Jianshu–Qiangshu combined event at the World Games in Chengdu and the women's Changquan event at the World Wushu Championships.

The SAR contingent is sending over 800 members, including approximately 580 athletes, to compete in 38 sports at the Games, which will take place from September 19 to October 4. This will be Hong Kong, China's first participation in padel, modern pentathlon, and wrestling at an Asian Games.