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HONG KONG : China's Olympic gold medallists are in Hong Kong for a three-day celebratory tour.
On Saturday, they will be showcasing the skills that brought them a record haul of medals to sell-out crowds. It is likely to give a boost to nationalist sentiments in the lead-up to legislative polls next month.
Hong Kong greeted its Chinese heroes to much fanfare as they landed on the tarmac on Friday morning.
Sixty-three Olympians, including diving queen Guo Jingjing and gymnast Yang Wei, are in town for photo-opportunities and sports demonstrations.
Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang was on hand to greet them. He said: "We are proud of them, they are heroes of the Hong Kong people. I believe the city won't want to miss the opportunity to catch them in action."
Despite Hong Kong athletes competing separately at the Olympics, Hong Kong residents had also cheered on their mainland counterparts.
This visit will further boost national pride among people that still prefer to identify themselves as Hong Kong residents rather than Chinese.
Ivan Choy, political analyst, Chinese University of Hong Kong, said: "The case is changing. Perhaps after five to 10 years, the situation would not be the same, and at least the Hong Kong people are not so negative about mainland China."
Many also said that China's dispatch of its Olympic heroes is well-timed, ahead of important legislative elections next month. However, local issues are likely to take precedence over patriotic fervour.
Mr Choy said: "Even if people are patriotic after the Olympic Games, it is not an item on the election agenda. I do not think the atmosphere from the Olympic Games will affect the final outcome."
The Legislative Council elections will be a crucial race. Sixty seats are up for grabs; only 30 are directly elected.
If the democratic camp cannot secure a one-third majority, it will not be able to provide proper checks and balances on contentious bills when in passes through the Hong Kong parliament.
Politics and sports aside, there is also a media frenzy about the impending engagement of diving diva Guo Jingjing to Kenneth Fok, the son of Hong Kong International Olympic Committee member Timothy Fok.
Ms Guo said that she is still committed to winning more medals. She said: "It is the intention of the diving team. That is our aim and objective."
Speculation is that the couple may tie the knot as early as next year. - CNA/ms
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