4th October 2026 – (Hong Kong) As the Nagoya Asian Games closed with Hong Kong achieving a record 54 medals, former Financial Secretary John Tsang voiced support for Olympic champion Edgar Cheung Ka‑long following his early elimination in the men’s individual foil. Tsang, who fenced in secondary school, joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology team and later coached, argued that competitors at this level are rarely outclassed and that outcomes often hinge on an athlete’s physical and emotional condition on the day, as well as any injuries, rather than past records.
Tsang took issue with online criticism of Cheung, noting that even world‑class performers experience peaks and troughs and that no athlete is invincible. He referred to the reaction of Cheung’s opponent, Uzbekistan’s Daniil Kravtsov, who eagerly shared how he defeated the two‑time Olympic gold medallist, and said the response reminded him of an episode from his own fencing days in the United States. After winning a friendly foil bout 5–1 against a high‑school head coach, Tsang recalled hearing his rival repeatedly recount the single point he scored, omitting the five conceded. His takeaway for Cheung was straightforward: let others talk as they wish while you focus on your own path.
Celebrating wider Team Hong Kong successes, Tsang also praised 22‑year‑old tennis No. 1 Coleman Wong Chak‑lam, who defeated China’s Wu Yibing in straight sets to claim the city’s first Asian Games men’s singles gold. He said he always enjoys Wong’s post‑match remarks and finds it heartening that, wherever he plays, Wong speaks in Cantonese to thank supporters, adding a welcome note of familiarity for local fans.