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2021 National Games of China
SportHong Kong

Blow for Hong Kong as Tokyo 2020 golden boy Cheung Ka-long pulls out of National Games due to injury

  • Cheung has been training in Shenzhen since the Olympics to prepare for the Games
  • He suffered a swollen knee after a training session on Wednesday and has returned to Hong Kong

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Olympic champion Edgar Cheung Ka-long has pulled out of the National Games after suffering a knee injury while training in Shenzhen. Photo: Reuters
Chan Kin-wa

Olympic gold-medallist Edgar Cheung Ka-long has pulled out of the National Games due to injury dealing a huge blow to Hong Kong’s chances in the foil fencing events.

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Cheung, who had been training in Shenzhen since his Tokyo Olympics victory, returned to Hong Kong on Thursday as his teammates left for Tianjin, where the fencing events will take place.

“We are still waiting for more details, as he is now in the care of the medical staff at the Hong Kong Sports Institute,” said head fencing coach Zheng Kangzhao from Tianjin. “He suffered a swollen knee during a training session on Wednesday and we didn’t want to take a risk, so sent him back to Hong Kong.

“Of course, his absence will affect our chances. He is the Olympic gold medallist and a key member of the team. We now have three members left for the team event and it’s impossible to get a replacement due to quarantine requirements.”

Edgar Cheung Ka-long holds his gold medal during the medal ceremony for the individual foil at the 2020 Olympics. Photo: AP
Edgar Cheung Ka-long holds his gold medal during the medal ceremony for the individual foil at the 2020 Olympics. Photo: AP
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Ryan Choi Chun-yin, the world number 12, will now lead the team, that includes Cheung Siu-lun and Yeung Chi-ka. Cheung surged to number four in the world rankings after his victory at the Olympic Games.

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