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SCMP Sport

The Asian Games get officially under way on Saturday with the opening ceremony in Nagoya, although early rounds in several sports have already taken place.
Hong Kong’s men began their football campaign on Wednesday, losing 2-0 to hosts Japan, while their female counterparts started two days earlier with a 5-1 defeat at the hands of China.
It will not be until Sunday that the first gold is handed out, with triathlon and road cycling the most likely candidates to get their athletes on the podium before everyone else.
The city’s best hope of a medal on day one lies with karate star Grace Lau Mo-sheung, who won bronze in the women’s individual kata in Hangzhou three years ago. That was one of 53 medals Hong Kong’s athletes brought home last time around, made up of eight gold, 16 silver and 29 bronze.

Here then is a look at how they might do this time, where gold could be found in Japan and how those at home can cheer on the city’s 580-strong delegation without being there.
How to watch
In Hong Kong, the Asian Games is being broadcast live on three free-to-air channels under Cable TV – Hoy 76, Hoy 77, Hoy 78 – as well as being streamed on the company’s mobile app, website and official Facebook account.
Coverage of Saturday’s opening ceremony is expected to start at 4pm Hong Kong time, with the event itself due to start an hour later.
Siobhan Haughey defends her 200m freestyle gold on Monday and her 100m title the day after. The medal races are in the evening session in Tokyo, starting at 4pm (HKT).
The Games run until October 4, and fans will be able to see all the top athletes in action for the duration of the multi-sport event.

Where else to watch
As with previous major events involving the city’s best athletes, several shopping centres and sports venues will be broadcasting some of the action on big screens.
Kai Tak Sports Park will stage a host of events, including having a pop-up store showcasing the uniforms the city’s athletes will wear in Japan.
Starting on Saturday, a giant screen at the Atrium of Kai Tak Mall 2 will broadcast some events live, while MOSTown in Ma On Shan and Metro City Plaza in Tseung Kwan O will also have screens showing the action.
In addition, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will set up “Asian Games Focal Sites” at designated sports centres across the city’s 18 districts. These will be open from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, and daily thereafter from 8am to 9pm.
Who to watch
Well, Siobhan Haughey, obviously, but also fencing kings Cheung Ka-long and Ryan Choi Chun-yin, who begin their latest quests for foil glory on Tuesday, September 22.
And after her triple gold medal display in the National Games, how could you ignore cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing? Much will be riding on the 25-year-old’s shoulders, with the team now firmly hers.

The women’s road race, in which Hong Kong took gold last time out, will take place while Cheung and Choi are chasing titles of their own. A busy start to the week awaits Hong Kong’s fans.
Of course, success is not just of the yellow variety but of the silver and bronze ones too.
In Hangzhou, Hong Kong’s athletes also took to the top step of the podium in rowing, rugby, golf and bridge, and grabbed numerous others in everything from equestrian to esports. The expectation is they will do so again.
The city’s men will look to make it a three-peat in the men’s sevens, which is almost certain to involve needing to beat Japan at some point, while Taichi Kho’s golf gold is one of the last on the line, with the final round scheduled for Saturday, October 3.
There will undoubtedly be the odd surprise along the way, although there should be little when Chinese swimming star Yu Zidi and javelin phenom Yan Ziyi shine as they are expected to.


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An Asian Games-themed light show projected across Kai Tak Stadium in support of the Hong Kong Team for the event starting on Saturday. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong’s Grace Lau won bronze in the individual kata in Hangzhou three years ago. Photo: Xinhua

Siobhan Haughey defends the 200m freestyle title she won in Hangzhou on Monday. Photo: AP

Fencing kings Ryan Choi (left) and Cheung Ka-long start their campaigns on Tuesday. Photo: Elson Li

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Hong Kong’s Chloe Leung, here training for the National Games, claimed Asian Road Cycling Championships time trial silver earlier this year in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Eugene Lee

Herve Dagorne with Chloe Leung following her silver medal ride at the Asian Road Cycling Championships. Photo: CAHK

Vincent Lau competes during the men’s individual time trial at the National Games. Photo: Xinhua

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Record rainfall has left parts of Nagoya under water and seen Asian Games venues leak. Photo: AP

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Event officially starts on Saturday, with karate star Grace Lau a potential early medallist before Siobhan Haughey gets into action Monday


Event officially starts on Saturday, with karate star Grace Lau a potential early medallist before Siobhan Haughey gets into action Monday.


Asian Games: when it starts, how to watch, what’s new, where Hong Kong could win gold

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Event officially starts on Saturday, with karate star Grace Lau a potential early medallist before Siobhan Haughey gets into action Monday

Event officially starts on Saturday, with karate star Grace Lau a potential early medallist before Siobhan Haughey gets into action Monday