The Hong Kong delegation obtained the best result ever achieved in the 15th Asian Games which concluded successfully in Doha on December 15, 2006. With 281 athletes participating in 28 events, the Hong Kong team won six gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze medals.

Hong Kong's Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs. Carrie Lam, who flew to Doha to support the Hong Kong athletes and returned with them, said that the Government is pressing ahead with its strategy and initiatives to promote sports development in Hong Kong as announced by the Chief Executive in his 2006-07 Policy Address.

"The excellent performance of our athletes has won the hearts and support of the community. The whole city's attention was focused on our athletes in the last two weeks."

"Their outstanding achievements in the Asian Games will not only boost their confidence as they set their sights on the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 East Asian Games, but also inspire more young people to follow their footsteps and actively take part in sports training," she said.

"As the Chief Executive has pledged in the Policy Address, we will support the development of sports in Hong Kong on all fronts."

"From April 2007, there will be an additional allocation of US$5.13 million (HK$40 million) each year to provide comprehensive support for elite athletes in key areas, including education opportunities, career development, financial assistance, and athlete training and coaching support. There will be another US$3.85 million (HK$30 million) additional subvention each year for national sports associations to enhance national and junior squads training and drive school sports and community sports development."

"Planning is progressing in earnest to redevelop the Hong Kong Sports Institute to provide elite athletes with modern and quality training facilities. We expect works to commence on site by end-2008."

"An indoor velodrome of world-class standard, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, will be built in Tseung Kwan O. We will develop a wide range of sports facilities for training and public use at the district level," she said.

Mrs. Lam also pointed out that the Government's ongoing efforts to make Hong Kong a major location for international sports events would benefit Hong Kong's athletes by providing more opportunities for competition and exchange with their overseas counterparts and promoting commercial sponsorship in sports activities.