Philip Mok Kwan-yat, set to conclude his significant eight-year role as the head of the Hong Kong Tennis Association (HKTA), casts a hopeful look towards the future of tennis in Hong Kong. His tenure, marked by substantial growth and development within the sport, is ending on a high note as he transitions to a new position as a board member of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Under Mok’s leadership, Hong Kong tennis has seen a noticeable surge in international success, particularly with local talents like Coleman Wong, Eudice Chong, and Cody Wong Hong-yi making impressive strides in the global rankings. Their achievements, Mok believes, are not only a testament to the effectiveness of HKTA’s development programs but also serve as inspiration for younger players aspiring to pursue tennis professionally.
Coleman Wong, especially, has become a symbol of local success, currently enjoying one of his highest career rankings and serving as a role model for the next generation of players. Mok sees Wong’s increasing popularity and potential for major victories as key drivers for the sport’s growth in Hong Kong.
Mok’s vision for the future includes seeing more local players break into the top 200, which he believes will propel Hong Kong tennis even further. He emphasizes the importance of role models in the sport, noting that local stars like Wong are as sought after as international players, indicating a shift in the perception and popularity of tennis in Hong Kong.
Reflecting on his time as president, Mok acknowledges the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic but remains optimistic about the sport’s trajectory. He stresses the need for a stronger sports culture in Hong Kong, one that views athletic pursuits as viable career paths. This cultural shift, he suggests, should involve not only the athletes but their families as well, recognizing the crucial role of parental support in nurturing sports talent.
With Hong Kong athletes achieving commendable results in various international arenas, including the Olympics and Asian Games, Mok sees a growing respect and admiration for top athletes, a trend that he believes will continue to boost tennis and other sports in the region.
As Mok prepares to leave his role at HKTA, his contributions and insights leave a lasting impact on Hong Kong tennis, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the coming years. His optimism for the sport’s future reflects a broader trend of rising athletic achievement and recognition in Hong Kong.
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