Hong Kong's medal hopefuls are gearing up to compete in the world's greatest sporting event, the Olympic Games from August 5 to 21 in Rio.
But local media outlets are not focusing on familiar faces like cyclist Sarah Lee or badminton player Yip Pui-yin.
They have been spotlighting promising fencer Cheung Ka-long, 19, table tennis contender Doo Hoi-kem, 19, and in particular the “Giant Killer” of badminton Angus Ng, 22.
It is Ng's first time to represent Hong Kong at the Games. He said his goal is to be in the final 16 this year and to represent Hong Kong again at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Giant Killer
Ng knocked out two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan in the Hong Kong Open last year. It was the battle that made him a household name in his hometown.
"I blanked out the moment after I won. I never expected to beat Lin. I thought it was a dream. But that match definitely helped me gain confidence."
Ng later defeated number-one ranked player Chen Long in the Singapore Open. The victory further thrust him into the spotlight.
Having defeated some high ranking players, Ng now ranks 11th and has become the new medal hope for Hong Kong.
New ball game
Ng has been energetic since he was young, playing in several sports including table tennis, basketball and soccer.
He took up badminton after watching his friend play a match.
"When I was in primary school I loved to play table tennis and was a school team member. When I joined a joint-school sports match at that time, I watched my schoolmates playing badminton on the next court. I suddenly realised I wanted to start playing badminton."
Ng then started his badminton training and became a full-time athlete when he finished Form Six. But Ng was having a hard time in his new role.
"I used to have good results when I was playing doubles. But I decided to change to single player. I did not win for a long time after I changed to full-time singles. That made me doubt myself."
Hong Kong badminton team coach Liu Zhi-heng remained a positive influence during Ng’s training.
"He was under great pressure. His teammates got quite good results while he did not. He even thought of giving up. I'm glad he didn't. I kept encouraging him. He was so determined and self-disciplined. He deserves what he has achieved."
Goal setting
After Ng overcame this obstacle he found his new goal - the Olympics.
"Joining the Olympics has long been my dream. I’ve been under pressure after those matches as there are cameras focusing on me now. But I will go shopping when I feel stressed out."
Ng has set the round of 16 as his target in Rio.
"I am still a young athlete. I think I will be in my best shape and status in the next Olympics. I hope I can be in the final 16 this year. I will do my best to win good results for Hong Kong."
Whether Ng makes it onto the Olympic medal podium this year or not, he is sure to stay in the media spotlight over the next four years as he trains hard for Tokyo.
