None of the archers from Macau—Lai Seng Kit, Wong Tak Chi, and Wu Man Hon—were able to progress to the knockout stage in the men’s recurve category at China’s 15th National Games. Despite this, they see their participation as a valuable opportunity for Macau archery and a way to strengthen sports relations among Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China.
Lai Seng Kit, who finished 66th with 585 points in a preliminary round comprised of 68 archers, expressed disappointment in his performance. “I can score around 630 points in training. Competing against top archers from across China made me feel nervous,” Lai shared. His preparation included attending a summer camp in South Korea, but he acknowledged a lack of stress management training affected his results. “Nonetheless, I believe this experience will make me stronger for future competitions,” he added.
Macau’s appearance at the National Games marked a significant step for local archery, showcasing their potential as debutants in this prestigious event. In recent years, officials from Macau have partnered with the University of Macau to foster talent in archery. This initiative allows grassroots archers to join the university’s archery club for a minimal fee and receive expert training.
Wong Tak Chi highlighted the importance of competition in improving personal skills, noting his participation in multiple events in Hong Kong and mainland China. “These competitions help me identify my shortcomings,” Wong explained, emphasizing his need to manage his pace better and improve his physical condition. Competing against champions like Wei Shaoxuan and young prodigies like 14-year-old Chu Bingkun has motivated him to enhance his game.
Wong also remarked on the inclusivity of archery, suggesting it welcomes participants of all ages. He shared a reflective thought about his own journey: “If I had started my archery career as a child, I could have been a better player.” Meanwhile, personal commitments have allowed Wong to dedicate more time to training, as he balances family responsibilities with his passion for the sport.
“I hope my child will love the sport. We could turn it into a family activity, which would be interesting,” he concluded, expressing hope for the future of archery within his family and the broader community.
This sentiment reflects a collective ambition among Macau’s archers to grow, learn from their experiences, and potentially inspire a new generation of athletes in the region.