Hong Kong’s women make netball history, qualify for first World Cup since 2003
Hong Kong beat Malaysia in pulsating semi-final, and only Singapore stand between them and a first regional title in more than 30 years
It’s been 23 years since Hong Kong’s women last played at a Netball World Cup, they will be heading back to the sport’s biggest tournament next year and may yet go as champions of Asia.
On Saturday, only Singapore will stand between them and a first regional title since 1993; no wonder team manager Connie Wong struggled to contain her pride after a 51-47 win over Malaysia at Kai Tak Arena.
Wong has done more than most to get the players to this point, bringing the hopes and dreams of a generation to fruition in the Asian Netball Championships on Friday.
“Today was the day we always targeted to have our best performance. I am so proud of the girls,” Wong said. “They stuck to the game plan, played together, learned from the ups and downs this week, and put together a performance like that.
“I can’t remember how many Asian Youth Championships or Asian Open Championships I’ve been playing or coached, the target has always been trying to break into the top three. We always lost in the semi-final previously, so this means a lot.”
Victory came just two days after a thumping 53-37 defeat to Malaysia, and the ecstatic scenes that greeted the semi-final triumph said much for what had gone before.