Also receiving the honorary title was Yang Mengfei for his contributions to spacecraft research. He was the chief designer of the spacecraft for the Chang'e 5 lunar probe.

PolyU's president Teng Jinguang said of the two awardees: "They are courageous in setting big goals and seeking breakthroughs. In the pursuit of excellence, they have demonstrated outstanding qualities of perseverance and persistence."

Cheung, 24, won the individual gold in foil fencing at the Tokyo Games in July, making him the Hong Kong's first Olympic champion since 1997.

Yang, 59, is an expert in space technology, a researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a Life Fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong snatched two more gold medals in swimming at the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games in Shaanxi yesterday.

Wong Hon-yin claimed first place in the men's 200-meter medley, clocking in 2:23:72 - breaking the national record.

His teammate, Cheong Sui-kei, won gold in the women's 200m medley with a time of 2:45:13.