Forging Champions: How Corporate Vision Builds HK's Fencing Future

HONG KONG – February 23, 2026 – The electric hum of anticipation filled the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Arena as the finale of the “Fencing Plus” Training Programme reached its climax. For nearly a year, this ambitious initiative, title-sponsored by insurer CTF Life and organized by the Kai Tak Sports Initiative (KTSI), has been a crucible for young talent. It began with almost 800 hopeful children and, after months of rigorous training and selection, culminated in the Champions Cup, where 170 of the most promising participants vied for top honours. At the end of the day, 20 young fencers stood victorious, not just as champions of the tournament, but as the inaugural class of a fully-sponsored elite training program designed to forge Hong Kong's next generation of international sports stars.

A New Guard's Journey

The path from initial tryout to the elite squad was a testament to the program's comprehensive structure. Launched in May 2025, the two-year “Fencing Plus” programme was meticulously designed to identify and nurture talent from the ground up. Led by Head Coach Antonio Lam, a former Olympic fencer for Hong Kong, the curriculum was divided into five progressive stages, ensuring that participants received systematic and professional coaching.

This structured approach is critical, according to Hong Kong Fencing Team's Chief Coach, Zheng Kangzhao, who was a special guest at the finale. "Hong Kong fencing has achieved remarkable results in international competitions," he noted. "If systematic fencing training can begin in childhood, it will help the coaching team identify talented athletes early on and enable them to offer appropriate and professional guidance. Focused talent development will help more outstanding athletes achieve even better results in major competitions."

Inspiration was a key component of the finale. Participants witnessed an exhilarating demonstration match between sabre stars Ho Sze-long, a silver medallist at the 15th National Games, and Chan Lok-hei, a two-time junior championship silver medallist. The close-up display of elite technique provided a tangible goal for the young athletes, showing them exactly what their dedication could help them achieve. For the 20 selected fencers, that journey now accelerates. They are embarking on a fully sponsored, 1.5-year elite training program, a 216-hour commitment that will immerse them in the world of high-performance sport.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: A Corporate Commitment

This initiative is a cornerstone of CTF Life’s strategy to create “value beyond insurance.” With a 40-year legacy in Hong Kong, the company has increasingly woven corporate social responsibility into its identity. The title sponsorship of “Fencing Plus” is not a standalone gesture but a calculated investment in community well-being and local talent, reinforcing its role as the exclusive Founding Insurance Partner of the entire Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP).

"Our title sponsorship of the KTSI 'Fencing Plus' Training Programme is a significant step in supporting Hong Kong sports development and nurturing local talent," said Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and CEO of CTF Life. "We will continue to support emerging athletes to advance to the international stage to become future world champions, as we foster a healthy and vibrant community and encourage the public to embrace a healthy lifestyle, creating value beyond sportsmanship."

This philosophy is reflected in the company's broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework. Having published its first ESG report covering the 2024-2025 fiscal year, CTF Life has demonstrated a commitment to family wellness and sustainable development. The “Fencing Plus” program’s inclusion of support for underprivileged children ensures that access to high-level sport is not limited by economic background, directly aligning business goals with tangible social impact.

The Kai Tak Vision: A Hub for Talent and Community

The program’s success is also a powerful demonstration of the Kai Tak Sports Park's intended purpose. Opened in March 2025, the 28-hectare precinct is more than just a collection of world-class venues; it is envisioned as the heart of Hong Kong’s sporting future. As Tang King-shing, Director (Strategic Planning) of KTSP, explained, the initiative is about building a legacy. "The KTSI 'Fencing Plus' Training Programme aims to support the long-term development of fencing in Hong Kong and to provide opportunities for underprivileged children to learn the sport," he remarked, highlighting the dual goals of elite development and community access.

KTSI, the charitable arm of the sports park, has been instrumental in realizing this vision. Since 2018, it has engaged over 220,000 people through more than 200 community programs, promoting a “Sport for All” culture. “Fencing Plus” serves as a flagship example of how this mass participation can be linked to a clear pathway for professional development, fulfilling the government's five-pronged approach to sports policy which dedicates a significant portion of its budget to community-level initiatives.

The Road Ahead: From Local Heroes to Global Contenders

For the 20 young athletes selected, the real work is just beginning. Their elite training will prepare them for local ranking competitions and offer a chance to join the Hong Kong Under-14 Cadet Pre team. This structured pipeline is what turns raw talent into seasoned competitors, a process that has already yielded incredible results for Hong Kong with Olympic champions and, as of July 2025, its first fencing world champion in Ryan Choi Chun-yin.

The program provides a direct feed into this system of excellence. Supported by CTF Life, the young fencers will also have the chance to compete in the “Asian Youth Elite Fencing League,” gaining invaluable exposure to regional competition at an early age. The success of this inaugural program has already prompted CTF Life and KTSI to begin planning a second edition. This long-term commitment signals a sustained effort to build a deep and resilient talent pool that can keep Hong Kong at the pinnacle of international fencing for years to come.