HKCT Welcomes Asian Games Representatives and World-Ranked Athletes
Four Rising Hong Kong Stars in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Speed Roller Skating and Breakdance for Major International Competitions
HKCT Institute of Higher Education (HKCT) has become a preferred tertiary institution for many active elite athletes, thanks to its diverse industry partnerships in sports and flexible academic support. In the new academic year, HKCT welcomes four current members of Hong Kong representative teams to its Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Management with Coaching programme.
The athletes include Li Ting-huen, the Hong Kong rhythmic gymnastics representatives heading to the Asian Games; Hung Ka-yi, the Hong Kong, China Gymnastics Team; Poon Wing-sum, Champion of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Speed Roller Skating Open; and Wong Yu-ching, currently ranked 40th in WDSF Youth Breaking World Ranking - B-Girls.
The four rising sports stars hope to leverage HKCT’s academic support and professionally designed curriculum to pursue dual development in both education and athletic excellence while balancing intensive training schedules and international competitions. Through this journey, they aim to achieve new milestones and contribute further success to Hong Kong’s sporting community.
From left to right Wong Yu-ching, Poon Wing-sum, Li Ting-huen and Hung Ka-yi
Hong Kong Team Rising Stars Embark on a New Professional Journey
For the four Hong Kong representative athletes, the new academic year marks not only the beginning of university life but also a crucial phase in their preparations for major competitions.
Li Ting-huen, the Hong Kong rhythmic gymnastics representatives heading to the Asian Games, said she is excited about starting her university studies while actively pursuing intensive training in preparation for upcoming international events.
Wong Yu-ching, a breakdance athlete who will soon compete in the World Youth Championships, expressed her hope of balancing academic advancement with her competition preparations.
Hung Ka-yi, the Hong Kong, China Gymnastics Team, noted that managing a demanding schedule of training and competitions has always been a key challenge for student-athletes. Meanwhile, speed skater Poon Wing-sum shared that heading straight to training after classes has become part of her daily routine, and she hopes to continue pursuing both academic and athletic excellence throughout her university years while maintaining peak performance for future competitions.
All four athletes believe that university education represents a new chapter in their sporting careers. They look forward to benefiting from HKCT’s support and flexible learning environment, enabling them to achieve an ideal balance between competitive sports and academic development.
Li Ting-huen
Wong Yu-ching
Hung Ka-yi
Poon Wing-sum
Flexible Support Measures Help Elite Athletes Thrive on and Off the Field
Student-athletes often face challenges in balancing demanding training schedules with academic responsibilities, while also managing the psychological pressures that come with pursuing sporting excellence.
Dr. Luk Yim-mei, Programme Leader of Sports Programmes in the Department of Education at HKCT Institute of Higher Education, said that the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Management with Coaching programme not only provides students with academic knowledge in sports science and sports management, but also places strong emphasis on practical application and long-term career development.
“We aim to support student-athletes in enhancing both their athletic performance and professional competencies during their competitive careers, while at the same time building a solid foundation for future opportunities in the sports industry,” she said.
Through its flexible learning arrangements and comprehensive support measures, HKCT enables elite athletes to pursue their sporting ambitions with confidence, helping them achieve a healthy balance between academic studies and athletic development without compromising either pathway.
Dr. Luk Yim-mei
To enable outstanding athletes to focus on training and competition without concerns about their academic progression, HKCT has established a dedicated Athlete Admission Pathway, providing a seamless route to higher education for students who have represented Hong Kong in regional or international competitions. In addition, the institution offers the Physical Development Excellence Scholarship, under which eligible athletes may receive a full tuition fee waiver after government subsidies have been deducted.
To support student-athletes in their daily studies, HKCT provides highly flexible learning arrangements, personalized academic scheduling, and tailored physical and mental wellness support. These measures help athletes maintain a healthy balance between intensive training commitments and academic responsibilities while promoting overall well-being.
As the only higher education institution in Hong Kong currently included in the list of IOC-recognized Olympic Studies and Research Centers, HKCT has also entered into a collaboration agreement with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) to jointly offer the Sports-General Theories Coach Accreditation Courses, which provides participants with recognized coaching qualifications.
Furthermore, HKCT has established a strong network of partnerships with more than 20 sports organizations and enterprises in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Through these collaborations, students gain access to extensive industry, academic and research opportunities, reinforcing HKCT’s position as a preferred institution for the dual career development of Hong Kong’s elite athletes.
