Debut Season Concludes With Third-Place Finish
\nHong Kong secured a podium finish on its debut in the Chinese Men’s Handball Super League by defeating Anhui 29-28 in the play-off for third place. The match took place on Sunday at the Ma On Shan Sports Centre during the fourth and final stage of the national league.
\nParticipating as an invited team, Hong Kong narrowly edged out Anhui to complete its first appearance in the competition. Head coach Hui Man-pong praised the squad for its cohesion, stating that the team was \"so united\" with players and coaches working toward a shared objective.
\nThe victory marked the realization of a specific target set by the coaching staff. Hui confirmed that the team aimed to finish inside the top four during their inaugural season, with long-term ambitions to climb higher in the standings until reaching the top of the league.
\nFor captain Freddie Tse Wing-fai, the result held particular significance as a long-awaited triumph over their opponents. Tse noted that Hong Kong had not defeated Anhui since the 2017 National Games in Tianjin.
\n\nSupport From Local Fans
\nThe match drew support from local spectators, including members of Hong Kong Chi Sin Lo. Originally formed as a group of hardcore Hong Kong football fans, the supporters were present at Ma On Shan with drums and chants to back the handball team.
\n\nFuture Participation Depends on Administrative Approval
\nThe team’s continued presence in the Chinese Handball Super League remains uncertain. Future participation relies on government support and approval from the General Administration of Sport of China. The league is currently considered a one-off event rather than a permanent fixture for Hong Kong.
\nStephen Li Tak-fai, executive committee chairman of the Handball Association of Hong Kong, China, stated that the sport’s long-term goal is to secure elite, full-time status under the Hong Kong Sports Institute. However, Li acknowledged difficulties in obtaining government consideration for this status.
\nLi also highlighted logistical barriers related to player employment. He noted that even if succession to the national league occurs, the current status of players may prevent the team from fielding a squad if they are unable to apply for holidays from their jobs.
\n\nFinancial Support and Upcoming Schedule
\nTo assist athletes in balancing work and training, senior players in eight team sports, including handball and baseball, could receive a monthly subsidy of HK$4,000 (US$510). This financial support is available under the Development Programme for Team Sports endorsed by the Sports Commission, provided players complete a minimum of 80 per cent of required training time.
\nHong Kong’s next major tournament is the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, which has been delayed and reassigned. The event may take place in Riyadh next March. If that timeline does not materialize, the next confirmed event for the team is the regional championships scheduled for January 2028.
\n\nRecent Competitive History
\nThe performance in the Chinese Super League follows a period of competitive activity for Hong Kong handball. The team finished fourth at the National Games on home soil last November, achieving their equal-best result of recent editions at the Asian Championship in Kuwait earlier this year.