October 11, 2023
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong, China men’s football team to the 19th Asian Games will receive a special bonus of HK$850,000 ($108,000) in recognition of their outstanding performance in Hangzhou, where they achieved a historic feat by reaching the semi-finals.
The bonus will be provided by the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, which announced the decision at a banquet on Tuesday to celebrate the team’s achievement.
At the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games, which ended on Oct 8, the Hong Kong, China men’s football team scored a significant victory by defeating Iran 1-0 in the quarter-finals. Although they were beaten by Japan in the semi-finals, their performance marked a milestone in football for the special administrative region at the Asian Games.
Eric Fok Kai-shan, chairman of the association, said the association will continue to upgrade training for young athletes, and host more international matches to enable the football team to gather experience.
Meanwhile, the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup — a traditional football competition between Guangdong province and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that started in 1979 – is expected to resume after being suspended for four years, said Fok.
ALSO READ: HK, China football team finish fourth in bronze medal clash
Jorn Andersen, head coach of the Hong Kong men’s football team, hopes that residents will continue to support the team at Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Bhutan.
He hopes to see 20,000 fans at Hong Kong Stadium to cheer the team.