The men's ice hockey team from Macao is set to compete in the ninth Asian Winter Games taking place from February 7 in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. Despite lacking professional players, the team’s dedication shines as they prepare for the upcoming event.
Composed of firefighters, office workers, and even teenagers, the crew held their final training camp in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on Friday. This move follows the closure of Macao’s only ice rink, forcing the team to travel to Zhuhai three times a week for training sessions and practice.
Training in Shenzhen offers access to a standard-sized rink, allowing the team to conduct more realistic simulations in preparation for the challenges they will face in Harbin. Founded 20 years ago, the team boasts a young roster with an average age of 23. All players hail from Macao, and the captain, Leong Chon Kong, has been with the team since its inception.
Despite the limited local infrastructure for ice hockey, Captain Leong’s passion for the sport remains unwavering. His commitment not only fuels the team’s efforts but also inspires the next generation of Macao athletes to pursue their dreams on the ice.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
