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The men’s ice hockey team from China’s Macao is gearing up for the ninth Asian Winter Games, set to begin on February 7 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. The team held their final training camp on Friday in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, before heading to the competition.
Unlike many of their competitors, the Macao team is composed entirely of amateur players—firefighters, office workers, and even teenagers—all united by their passion for the sport. After the closure of the only ice rink in the Macao Special Administrative Region, the team has been traveling to Zhuhai in Guangdong Province three times a week to maintain their rigorous training schedule.
For their final preparations, the team chose Shenzhen for its standard-sized rink, allowing them to simulate real competition conditions. \”Training on a full-size rink helps us adjust our strategies and improve our coordination,\” said team captain Leong Chon Kong, who has been with the team since its founding 20 years ago.
With an average age of 23, the players are determined to make their mark despite the challenges they face due to limited local infrastructure for ice hockey. \”We love this sport, and we’re committed to representing Macao with pride,\” Leong added. \”We hope to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams.\”
The team’s dedication highlights the growing interest in winter sports across the region, as athletes from various backgrounds come together to compete on the international stage at Harbin 2025.
