Guangzhou, November 24 - One of Asia's most prominent sports leaders, Timothy Fok, feels the 16th Asian Games have boosted Hong Kong's emerging identity as a sporting region. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the OCA Vice President for the East Asia zone said the Asian Games had maintained the momentum from the successful hosting of the East Asian Games in Hong Kong, China last December.

OCA Vice President Timothy Fok (front row, third from left) sits with fellow Hong Kong Olympic Committee members and athletes at the press conference on Wednesday.

"Certainly we are very proud to say that this is one of Hong Kong, China's best performances, not only in terms of actual medals but the way the athletes have achieved it," he said.

Kenneth Fok, Deputy Chef de Mission of Hong Kong, China, is in demand for a photo call.

"In many ways we are trying to infuse a sports culture in Hong Kong, China, and people watching the Asian Games on TV can see the Hong Kong spirit."

Fok, who is President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and an IOC member, was addressing the media at a time when Hong Kong, China stood a lofty seventh in the medals table, with eight gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze for a total of 37.

When asked to comment on the haul, Fok replied: "Every time before a Games people always ask the same question: how are you going to do?

"Last time I think we did all right in Doha, but actually Guangzhou is almost our twin city. In a way this gives us home advantage but also puts us under a lot of pressure because it is near home."

Fok said he hoped this spirit would translate into public support for a bid to stage the Asian Games in 2023 - and praised the legacy of the venues and infrastructure the 16th Asian Games will leave behind in Guangzhou. "We will continue to work hard at that," he added.