Hong Kong badminton player criticises condition of Youth Olympics medal after HKSI returns it
Hong Kong badminton player Yoyo Ng Tsz Yau has expressed frustration and disappointment after receiving back her Youth Olympic Games gold medal from the Hong Kong Sports Institute, saying it had been returned in a state she described as unacceptable. Ng posted a photo of the medal on social media, prompting widespread discussion and concern about how valuable sporting memorabilia is being handled.
In her post, Ng said she had lent the medal to the institute a decade ago for display purposes. When it was finally returned to her, she was shocked by its condition. The photo she shared showed what appeared to be adhesive tape marks covering sections of the medal’s surface, suggesting that it may have been improperly stored or mounted. Ng wrote that the state of the medal left her stunned, adding the question “Are you kidding me?” to underline her disbelief.
The medal in question is of significant personal and sporting value. Ng won it at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, where she competed in the mixed doubles event alongside Malaysian player Cheam June Wei. The pair’s victory marked an important milestone in Ng’s early career and remains one of her most meaningful achievements as a young athlete.
Her public complaint has sparked conversation among sports fans and commentators about the responsibilities of institutions when caring for athletes’ trophies and memorabilia. Many online users expressed sympathy for Ng, saying the medal represented hard work and dedication and should have been handled with far greater care. Others called for clearer guidelines regarding how such items are stored, displayed, and maintained by sporting bodies.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute has yet to release a detailed response addressing the condition of the medal or explaining how it may have deteriorated while in its possession. The incident has raised questions about whether the institute has sufficient protocols and preservation practices for safeguarding athletes’ medals, uniforms and other historical items that are often displayed to celebrate achievements in Hong Kong sport.
Ng’s post also reflects a broader sentiment shared by many athletes who lend their memorabilia to organisations for public display. While they often do so proudly, believing their accomplishments can inspire younger generations, they also expect institutions to handle such items with respect and professionalism. Ng noted that her medal had been entrusted to the institute for an entire decade, making its damaged condition particularly upsetting.
As reactions continue to circulate online, some sports fans have urged the HKSI to review its handling procedures and offer an explanation or apology. Others have encouraged the institute to consider professional conservation methods for preserving valuable items to avoid similar situations in the future. For Ng, the incident is a reminder that even cherished achievements can be vulnerable when not properly protected.
