Aiming at preparing for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Hong Kong sprinter Tang Yik-Chun will leave for the United States to train there, announced the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA) on Friday.

Tang, who won the silver medal of men's 200m in 2005 China's National Games and men's 60m gold medal in 2005 Asian Indoor Games, will train in California Training Center for one and a half years with the America athletics team, according to HKAAA.

The 21-year-old Tang, who is the Hong Kong record-holder of men's 200m sprint, said he is ready for the journey.

"Perhaps I am the first Hong Kong sprinter to train in America. This is a rare opportunity for me and I think I am ready for the challenge. I wish I could have a good result in Beijing Olympics as well as in the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong," he said.

Tang will leave for the United States on April 25.

Source: Xinhua