The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) has pledged its full support to the Hong Kong, China team competing in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao together with Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges attended the flag presentation ceremony today (1 September) to give the delegation a heartfelt send-off ahead of the Games. The Club will provide cash incentive awards for medallists at the Games.
Speaking at the ceremony, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee noted that athletes from Hong Kong, China have consistently delivered outstanding performances at the Asian Games. He expressed confidence that the approximately 580 athletes attending this year’s Games will give their all and strive for excellence, bringing more glory to China and Hong Kong. He noted that the HKSAR Government has been supporting athletes through initiatives such as the Elite Athletes Development Fund and the Arts and Sport Development Fund. Over the past five years, government funding for the Hong Kong Sports Institute has increased by more than 30%. He also highlighted that The Hong Kong Jockey Club, through its Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, provides cash incentives to athletes who achieve outstanding results at major sporting events, recognising their hard work alongside the community.
The Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said that as a world-class equine sports organisation, the Club has consistently supported sports development at the elite and community levels through a wide range of initiatives, also aiming to broaden participation in sport at the grass-roots level. Initiatives include the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, through which the Club provides cash incentives to Hong Kong, China athletes to encourage excellence at major events. He noted that, in doing so, the Club aims to inspire peak performance in elite competitions. On behalf of the Club, he wished the Hong Kong, China team every success at the 20th Asian Games.
In August, the Club announced a new cycle of the JCAIAS, supporting its implementation by the Hong Kong Sports Institute. The scheme will cover seven major upcoming sporting events. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled to take place from 19 September to 4 October 2026, will be the first major event under the new JCAIAS cycle. The Club will provide cash awards to members of the Hong Kong, China team who win gold, silver and bronze medals in individual and team events. Gold medallists in individual and team events will receive HK$1 million and HK$2 million, respectively. (Please refer to the table below for details.)
Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme - Details of Cash Incentives:
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games (19 September to 4 October 2026)
|
Individual |
Team |
|---|---|---|
Gold |
HK$1,000,000 |
HK$2,000,000 |
Silver |
HK$500,000 |
HK$1,000,000 |
Bronze |
HK$250,000 |
HK$500,000 |
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.
