Golden glory: Hong Kong wins gold in the men's soccer, women's windsurfing and men's cycling.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has lauded the Hong Kong men's soccer team which beat Japan to take the gold medal in the 2009 East Asian Games.

The Hong Kong squad, cheered on by Mr Tsang and 30,000 fans at Hong Kong Stadium, drew 1-1 with Japan after 120 minutes, eventually taking the gold by winning 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

Mr Tsang said he was overwhelmed by the victory, crediting the players' hard work and perseverance.