The 15th National Games (NG) is about to commence. 29 Force athletes of the Hong Kong delegation shortlisted for the mass participation events have already completed their competitions and have competed against elites among the people across the country. For them, the significance of the competition went far beyond winning or losing. It lied in witnessing firsthand the nation’s state-of-the-art standards in hosting major sports events and the unity demonstrated both on and off the field.

Station Sergeant Lee King-lun, who is attached to the Marine West Division and formerly a member of the Hong Kong Basketball Team, is currently the Manager of the Hong Kong Police Basketball Team. He previously led the team to win the gold medal in the three-on-three basketball event at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games in Canada. In the 15th NG, he competed in the five-on-five basketball event for the age group 45–60. Although his team did not qualify for the next round in the end, he found greater value beyond medals through the experience of competing against top players across the country.

Lee King-lun, who is 1.85 metres tall, frankly noted that the players representing various provinces and cities were exceptionally strong with an average height exceeding two metres. In their first match against the Shanghai team, they even faced famous former national basketball team player Jia Xiaozhong who once played alongside Yao Ming and won the Chinese Basketball Association championship. “We fought hard for three quarters and were still leading by five points before being overtaken in the final stage. Being able to compete against strong opponents was an honour despite the loss,” Lee King-lun shared.

He emphasised that while winning is certainly important, gaining experience from each match is even more important. “As the Manager of the Police Basketball team, I will share the tactics and insights gained from playing against Mainland players on this occasion with my teammates to enhance our overall performance. This experience is far more lasting than a single victory.”

Besides the competition on the field, Lee King-lun was also deeply impressed by the nation’s meticulous and efficient organisation of the competition. “Police vehicles escorted teams to and from the venues. The hotel provided exclusive access routes and restaurant with meals suitable for athletes. The ‘closed-loop management’ ensured every athlete stay focused during the competition. The venues were world-class and there were lots of volunteers offering thoughtful service, reflecting the organisers’ dedication to this sports event,” he recalled.

Also fighting hard on the NG stage was District Commander of Tuen Mun District Ma Wai-hing. Overcoming one hurdle after another throughout the open selection rounds earlier, he played alongside Senior Superintendent Wong Ping-ping and eight other citizens who qualified after the selection. After receiving training by the Badminton Association of Hong Kong for nearly six months, the team represented Hong Kong in the mixed team event for the age group 45–54 and achieved the fifth place finally.

Ma Wai-hing pointed out that team competitions, like police work, are about “playing a team match”. The players’ performance on the court and the logistic support behind the scenes are equally crucial. “We have our reserve members analysing opponents’ play styles and others, being health professionals, providing additional support. The team worked concertedly and strived to deliver their best performance.”

Although they missed the medal by a narrow margin in the end, Ma Wai-hing is still very satisfied, “NG is not only a competitive stage for the nation’s top athletes but also a reflection of national unity. The organisers’ thoughtful arrangements reflect an athlete-centred philosophy in every aspect and the enthusiasm of spectators demonstrated the public support for NG. It was an honour to be part of this.”

The two athletes of the Force have completed their competitions, and both of them are eagerly looking forward to the coming competition events. Ma Wai-hing and Lee King-lun unanimously agreed that the meticulous organisation of the 15th NG, the world-class facilities, and the nation’s passion for sports is a microcosm of the nation’s comprehensive strength. They wish the Hong Kong delegation with the advantage of playing on home soil and to a home crowd every success, bringing pride to Hong Kong with the witness of citizens across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and echoing the slogan of this NG through outstanding performance — “Play for the Dreams in GBA”.

“Hong Kong Team, keep it up!”