The 33 athletes from Hong Kong who competed in the Athens Olympic Games returned home Tuesday to a grand welcome at the airport by about 300 people.

"We are deeply impressed by our table-tennis double players, Li Ching and Ko Lai-chak, who have won a historic silver medal for us," declared Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.

Tung, who welcomed the athletes at an official ceremony in the Hong Kong Cultural Center, pledged to apply a new policy conducive to sports development.

And he praised the table-tennis team for performing tremendously well at the Games, saying their "can-do spirit" had inspired everybody in the SAR.

"Hong Kong people are proud of you all. All this is the reward for years of hard work and relentless efforts," Tung said.

"We take pride in all members of our athletic team," he continued. "Lee Lai-shan, a real idol of the Hong Kong people, has demonstrated the Hong Kong spirit of tenacity to fight until the end in adversity."

Tung said the athletes' outstanding performance in Athens had won the hearts of the public in Hong Kong and renewed interest in boosting sports development in the city. The government would complete its review of sports policy promptly to promote local sports, he said.

Officials of the Home Affairs Bureau would continue to seek views from different social sectors to map out a new all-concept policy to promote sports, encourage students' participation and parental support, nurturing elite athletes and their career opportunities, the training of trainers and facilities, he said.

At a cocktail reception right after the ceremony, table-tennis medallists Li and Ko said they were aiming at winning a gold medal for the SAR in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Li said the fact that they had won a medal at the Athens games showed Hong Kong athletes were up to world-class standards. He vowed to train hard and to do his best to win a gold medal for Hong Kong at the Beijing Olympics.

Having a keen interest in table tennis since the age of seven, Li said he would continue to play sports seriously and would not give up in spite of difficulties or losing in matches. "I will learn from losses and develop my unique style," the silver medallist said confidently.

He called on the government to commit more support to table tennis and other sports to improve their facilities and venues.

Speaking of his joy, Ko said he felt honored and proud when the SAR flag was hoisted in Athens together with the national flag. "I am glad to be home so that I can share my joy with everyone here in Hong Kong," he said.

Ko said that after having eaten Western food for as many days, he was hungry for family dishes that his mother was especially skillful in preparing. "I look forward to eating her cooking."

To the duo's delight, their parents were among dignitaries received at the ceremony.

Timothy Fok, president of the Hong Kong Olympic Committee, said society would stand to benefit from a more developed sports community. This would not only lead to better health for the community as a whole but also help foster national pride among the population.

(China Daily HK Edition September 1, 2004)