Hong Kong karate athlete Grace Lau won the territory's first medal at the World Games 2022 in the US, grabbing bronze in the women's individual kata event.

Making her World Games debut, the Olympic bronze medallist edged out Italy's Carola Casale with a score of 26.28, compared with 25.54 for her opponent.

Spain's Sandra Sanchez Jaime took gold, beating Hikaru Ono from Japan 27.92–27.00.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung congratulated Lau on her win.

"Having achieved outstanding performance in a number of international sports competitions in recent years, Grace has excelled again at the World Games 2022 this time and won a bronze medal. We share her joy and take pride in her," Yeung said in a statement.

The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama features 33 events.

Seventeen Hong Kong athletes are taking part in this year's games, competing in eight events total.