Asian Games 2023: Max Denmark ready to supply ‘X-factor’ as Hong Kong chase repeat rugby sevens gold
- ‘We are stronger than in 2018,’ Denmark says as Hong Kong’s men’s sevens team aim to strike gold in second successive Games
- Denmark has matured into a key performer since 2018 success and says he and his teammates are ready to ‘put on a show’
Max Denmark believes Hong Kong’s men’s rugby players can handle the pressure as defending Asian Games champions when the Hangzhou showpiece’s sevens tournament begins on Sunday.
Expectations are high, because at the last Games, five years ago in Jakarta, Hong Kong’s men’s side beat Japan in the final to clinch the city’s first gold medal in any team sport in 17 appearances at the Games stretching back to 1954.
Express winger Denmark admitted he did not appreciate the gravity of the Games as a 19-year-old member of that winning 2018 team in Indonesia.
Now, however, Denmark needs no reminding about what is on the line over the three-day competition. And the 24-year-old insisted pressure to deliver another gold would be channelled in a positive direction.
“Preparations for this Asian Games have been five years in the making, so there will be a few nerves, but it feels like a big release that we can finally put on a show,” Denmark said. “There is more pressure on my shoulders, but I can handle it.
“Our Asian Games performance affects our funding [from Hong Kong Sports Institute]. We are defending champions, which makes us a target, but I think that will work in our favour. Opponents risk overstretching and trying too hard to beat you.