The grand opening ceremony of the Kai Tak Sports Park took place on March 1, 2025, and featured an exhilarating exhibition match between action star Donnie Yen and Olympian fencer Yung Ming-hui, drawing significant applause from the audience.
The ceremony, which attracted over 30,000 spectators, showcased various performances including sword fighting, badminton, and table tennis. Among the array of performers, renowned local celebrities like Joey Yung and musicians from mainland China added to the festive atmosphere.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the fencing match between Yen, known as "The Strongest", and the Olympic gold medalist Yung, nicknamed "The Smile Fencer". The two engaged passionately on stage, with Yung narrowly defeating Yen 5 to 4. Audiences were treated to the duo performing under the theme "Beneath the Lion Rock, Duel at Mount Hua”, connecting local cultural heritage with modern sportsmanship.
During the event, various segments were dedicated to sports and performing arts, each narratively themed as "A Confluence of Rivers and Seas", "Carrying on the Past for the Future", "Striving to Surge Forward", and "A Hundred Flowers Blossom", celebrating Hong Kong’s rich cultural history.
The competition started off intense, with the two competitors trading points. Audience members were captivated as the score was tied multiple times throughout the match. With applause filling the arena, Yung took the lead after demonstrating remarkable skill and agility, earning her the victory.
After the match, both stars shared their appreciation for each other’s talents. Yen humbly remarked, "I initially wanted to show the elegance of Chinese culture through martial arts, but I quickly realized Yung was far superior. She exemplifies why our youth should aspire to greatness." He added, "Vivian is not only beautiful and talented but also serves as a role model for young people."
Yung reciprocated the compliments, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Yen, saying, "Learning from 'Master Yip' and participating here is truly heartwarming. For me, winning or losing doesn’t matter; what truly matters is sharing meals with family and friends."
Yen, who trained intensively for the match, mentioned he felt privileged to share the stage with such an illustrious athlete. He acknowledged the intense training provided by Master Yung prior to the match, stating, "The coach, being Yung’s mentor, taught me some of the secrets of martial arts so I wouldn’t embarrass myself too much on stage." He continued, “It’s inspiring to see someone as capable as her who can master various martial skills so quickly."
Throughout the evening, Hong Kong’s entertainment and sports icons collaborated to make the opening ceremony memorable. Singer Joey Yung opened the performances, followed by Gin Lee and various other star-studded acts. The night culminated with spectacular fireworks, marking not just the opening of the venue but the spirit of the community coming together to celebrate sporting excellence.
Overall, the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park not only introduced Hong Kong's latest sporting venue but also underscored the unity of sports and arts. Guests left the venue inspired, showcasing both sporting prowess and artistic expression deeply woven within Hong Kong’s cultural fabric. Moving forward, the venue is expected to host numerous sporting events and performances, reinforcing its substantial role within the community.