Chu Man-kai on Sunday (September 5) claimed Hong Kong a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in men’s singles badminton SH6 event, after losing a close final match to India’s Krishna Nagar. His medal came shortly after teammate Daniel Chan Ho-yuen winning a bronze in badminton.

The 30-year-old athlete was narrowly beaten by Krishna Nagar 1:2. Chu lost the first game 21-17 and levelled things up in the next game with a 21-16 win. His rival had taken the deciding third set, but he still managed to capture the city’s second silver medal at the Games, after the mixed Boccia team’s win on Saturday.

This is the first time that badminton is included in the Paralympic programme and the two-time doubles world champion Chu said he was proud to represent Hong Kong in the new event.

“I am so blessed to have this chance to stand onto this stage and reach this final. I want to thank my coach, my family, the Hong Kong Paralympic Association, and my friends. Thanks for their support in many different areas and helping me in this battle,” he said. “Thank you to all the Hong Kong people for their support. No matter whether we got the medal or not, we have done it. I hope Hong Kong people can continue supporting us, both the elite athletes or Para athletes.” 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam also congratulated both Chu and Chan for their great performances. "It is the first time that badminton has become an official sport at this Games. With the medals, Chu Man-kai and Chan Ho-yuen have made history in Hong Kong sports, making Hong Kong people proud," she said in a statement.

Hong Kong concluded the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics on a high note yesterday with an impressive medal haul of two silver and three bronze medals in a range of sports, including table tennis, boccia and badminton. The closing ceremony took place on Sunday evening, with Chu being named as Team Hong Kong's flag bearer.

See also: Tokyo 2020 Paralympics: Hong Kong’s Daniel Chan Ho-Yuen Claims Bronze Medal in Badminton