Hong Kong China’s Historic First WWC Sanda Gold Medalist -- Yu Hong Leung
Yu Hong Leung of Hong Kong, China, has practiced sanda since he was 14 years old. He joined the Hong Kong, China Wushu team at 15, and competes in the 60Kg division. He won a bronze medal at the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships in 2022, in his international debut. He then won his first gold medal at the 16th World Wushu Championships in 2023 – at age 18 – making history as the first Hong Kong, China sanda fighter to ever win gold at WWC. It was a triumph for himself, his team and Hong Kong, China. He also won a gold medal at the Asian University Wushu Championships in 2024. He is currently an undergraduate student of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Applied Linguistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and looks forward to defending his World Champion title at the next World Wushu Championships sanda competition in 2025 in Brazil.
Wushu Sanda Beginnings
Yu Hong recalls that when he was was fourteen years old, he went to the Lei Yue Mon training center in Hong Kong,China to meet coach Zhang Ligong. “Since I was little,” he says, “Wushu have piqued my curiosity. My introduction to sanda and my sanda friends was a stroke of luck. My first sanda competition was a mix of nerves and excitement. I focused on applying what I’d learned in training, and though I won, it was a great learning experience that fueled my determination to improve. I developed my skills through consistent training, learning from coaches, and facing stronger opponents. Losses taught me the most, helping me identify weaknesses and adapt. Mental toughness and resilience were key to my growth.”
Yu Hong joined the Hong Kong, China Wushu Team when he was 15. “I wasn’t the youngest sanda fighter on the team,” he recalls, “but still I was one of the new guys, which accelerated my growth, teaching me humility and the importance of learning from others.”
An Historic World Championships Sanda Gold for Hong Kong, China
Yu made his international debut and won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Junior Wushu Championships. He says, “It seemed like a reward for all of my hard work because it was my first significant international medal. The competition was intense, and each battle tested my mettle. The realization that I could compete with the world's greatest was an emotional moment, and I felt free and happy.”
This win would be enough to qualify Yu Hong for the sanda competition at the 16th World Wushu Championships in 2023 where he won a gold medal – and making history, becoming the first sanda fighter from Hong Kong, China to ever top the podium at a World Championships event. He says, “The 2023 World Wushu Championships was my first senior world championships, and it was an unforgettable experience. I had a fever when I flew to the United States for the competition. I was supposed to compete in a 60kg event, but I weighed in at 57kg because of my illness. Fortunately, this did not affect my performance, but improved my mental quality.”
Besides coming in at a lower weight, Yu Hong would also face a tough final opponent from Vietnam for the gold medal. He says, “The training leading up to it was intense, with a focus on refining my techniques and improving my stamina. Vietnam is a very strong opponent, and his wrestling skills are also very good. He has a strong body and good physical fitness. I was just lucky enough to have more points than him in two rounds of 2 minutes, but I don't think his skills are worse than mine. He is a respectable opponent.”
The HKG team was elated with this historic victory. “I am happy that I made history,” says ，Yu Hong. “Winning the gold medal was something that no one in Hong Kong history has ever done. But it wasn’t only a personal achievement—it was a victory for my team, my coaches, and HKG. It showed that with hard work and determination, we could compete at the highest level.”
Sanda Journey Continues
At only 18, Yu Hong was now the hero of the Hong Kong, China team. The next year he would travel to Jiangyin, China In 2024 to win a silver medal at the International Wushu Invitational Tournament. Not one to rest on his laurels, he found inspiration and special value in this medal. He says, “Although I won silver, the experience was invaluable. It highlighted areas where I still needed to improve and reminded me that there’s always room to grow as an athlete. I think my Philippines opponent has a good fighter’s heart and strong psychological quality -- he is confident in his moves and is brave enough to try. Technically speaking, he’s a very good boxer too.”
A new challenge and experience was offered at the 2024 Asian University Wushu Championship, where Yu Hong would win gold. “Competing at the 2024 Asian University Wushu Championship,” he explains, “was different from my previous experiences. The atmosphere was more relaxed, but the competition was still fierce. Winning gold here was special because it showed that I could balance my studies and my sport. It was a testament to my discipline and time management.”
Sanda Life
The 60KG division is one of sanda’s most exciting weight divisions, where fighters are fast and furious, and often an audience favorite. Reflecting on this, Yu Hong says, “Fighting in the 60KG division requires a balance of speed, power, and strategy. Fighters in this category are often quick and technical, so staying sharp and adaptable is crucial. What inspires me most is the constant challenge of improving and pushing my limits. Every fight teaches me something new, and that’s what keeps me motivated.”
Being a member of the Hong Kong, China team is also an experience of its own. Yu Hong says, “Training and traveling with the team has been an incredible experience. We support each other like a family, pushing one another to be better. Whether it’s during training camps or at competitions, the camaraderie and teamwork are what make this journey so rewarding.”
He continues, “I’ve made many friends with international wushu/sanda athletes. We keep in touch through social media. Balancing friendship and competition can be tricky, but there’s a mutual respect that makes it work. At the end of the day, we’re all passionate about the same sport.”
Yu Hong adds, “The best part of international competitions is the opportunity to test myself against the best in the world. My best experience so far has been winning gold at the 2023 World Wushu Championships. The most rewarding aspect is seeing the results of my hard work and knowing that I’m representing Hong Kong, China on the global stage.”
Daily Training, and Challenges
Yu Hong tells us that his daily training routine includes a mix of technical drills, sparring, strength and conditioning, and recovery. “I also travel to other places for training camps,” he says, “to learn from different coaches and spar with new partners. My coaches have been instrumental in my development—they’ve not only taught me techniques but also helped me build mental toughness.”
“The toughest obstacle I’ve faced is balancing my studies and training,” he says. “There have been times when I felt overwhelmed, but I’ve learned to manage my time effectively and stay focused on my goals.”
Yu Hong is currently a student of English and Applied Linguistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and he notes that, “balancing sport and studies is challenging but rewarding. I plan to continue working in the field of sports or education after university, possibly combining my passion for wushu with my academic background.”
“Outside of wushu,” Yu Hong adds, “I enjoy musical instruments and traveling and driving. These activities help me relax and recharge, which is important for maintaining a healthy balance in life.”
Wushu Sanda Philosophy & Looking Ahead
Yu Hong reflects on Hong Kong’s sanda scene. “I believe sanda has a bright future in Hong Kong，China and around the world,” he says. Philosophizing a bit about the sport and his goals, Yu Hong says, “Wushu sanda has shaped me into the person I am today. It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work. My goal is to continue representing Hong Kong, China at the highest level and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Yu Hong is also looking ahead with eager anticipation to the upcoming Sanda World Cup in 2025. “I’m very excited for the next Sanda World Cup,” he says. “My strategy is to focus on my strengths while addressing any weaknesses. I hope to perform at my best and bring home another medal for Hong Kong, China. I do plan to attend the 17th World Wushu Championships in Brazil. It’s another opportunity to compete against the best and continue growing as an athlete. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the experience.”
