Hong Kong men’s foil team claims first World Championships silver

Hong Kong’s men’s foil team secured the city’s first-ever silver medal in the team event at the Fencing World Championships after a narrow 45-44 defeat to Italy in Tuesday’s final.

Hong Kong led 40-36 before Italy mounted a late comeback, scoring the decisive touch to seal the title. Edgar Cheung Ka-long, Ryan Choi Chun-yin, Harris Ho and Leung Chin-yu were within touching distance of the world title before Italy completed its comeback.

The silver was Hong Kong’s best-ever result in the men’s team foil event at the World Championships, improving on the bronze medal won in 2023. It was also the city’s first medal of the 2026 championships.

[See more: Graudyn and Favaretto win gold at Fencing World Championships]

Earlier in the day, Hong Kong booked its place in the final with a 45-43 victory over the United States, reaching the World Championships team final for the first time.

Hong Kong’s sports and culture secretary Rosanna Law congratulated the team on its runners-up finish. She said she hoped the result would provide momentum ahead of September’s Asian Games.

Speaking after the final, two-time Olympic champion Edgar Cheung Ka-long said he was disappointed to miss out on gold, but added that the team’s consistent performance had demonstrated the strength of Hong Kong fencing.