The coach behind Hong Kong’s fencing success has boldly targeted four men’s foil medals – all the individual prizes and team gold – at next month’s National Games, saying such a sweep would be “perfect”.
Greg Koenig, who leads the men’s and women’s foil teams, expressed full confidence in his charges and noted that the Games’ format might give Hong Kong an edge over the other provinces and cities.
The city will be represented at Kai Tak Arena by two-time and reigning Olympic champion Cheung Ka-long, world champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin and rising star Leung Chin-yu in the individual event. Lawrence Ng Lok-wang, holding his career-best world ranking of No 37, will take part in the team event.
“I have big expectations for the men’s team,” Koenig said. “If you had asked me in [the last edition in] 2021, I would have told you I hoped Ka-long could do something.
“But a few years later, we have the level of Choi, and we also have Ka-long, as well as Leung, who is improving day by day and gaining some experience.
Greg Koenig, who leads Hong Kong’s men’s and women’s foil teams. Photo: Mike Chan
“We had already won one World Cup gold medal in Hong Kong [in May 2024], so my expectation is a gold medal by the team.”