[Asian Games] Hong Kong’s women blossom as professional athletes

The Hong Kong women's indoor volleyball team has overcome unfavorable circumstances to participate in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
 
The team suffered three consecutive losses (0-3 to Chinese Taipei, 1-3 to Kazakhstan and 0-3 to China) so far in the Group B preliminary round. However, it would be difficult to blame the team even if they happen to return home without qualifying for the quarterfinals, since the team is made up of career women and students who enjoy playing volleyball on the side.
 
For instance,  Lo Ka Yan, 25, is a hotel employee. “I work for a hotel. Not only I, but all the players in my team have their own jobs. After we finish at work, then we practice volleyball and do fitness exercises.”
 
It was never easy for the team. The women’s national team didn’t have their own gymnasium to practice in back in Hong Kong. They sought and used whatever location was available to them for training. If they did happen to find a place to train, they were only granted two to three hours per session.
 
“We had to work all day and study all day, so it was really difficult,” Lam Mei said.
 
Still, even with back-to-back losses, the Hong Kong team was cheered on by energetic fans in the seats at both Songnim Gymnasium in Incheon and Ansan Sangroksu Gymnasium. When the team wasn’t playing, they were seen sitting with their fans, talking and laughing like old acquaintances.
 
When asked about the fans, Lam smiled and hesitantly asked if she could say something to her family instead. Tearful, she thanked her family for their support: “When I started volleyball, my family was not supportive. But now they are really supportive, when they found out I could play in the Asian Games. They remind me that I should keep going forward.”
 
The last time Hong Kong participated in the Asian Games was 36 years ago, which makes Hong Kong’s participation in this year’s Incheon Asian Games all the more memorable for the entire team. As representatives of Hong Kong, the players entered the Games with little to no international experience, but will leave Incheon as true athletes. 
 
By Lee Sung-hwa (AGNS)