Students have a ball in Hong Kong

City University of Hong Kong, the winner of the SAR's 2023-24 intercollegiate tournament, is participating in the Asian University Basketball Challenge.

Chow Fu-him, a 21-year-old student who represented City University in a match against Yonsei University during the tournament's first round, remarked: "It was the most intense game I have ever played."

"Yonsei University boasts a center skilled in fast breaks, and accurate shooters.

"All of them are explosive on court," he added.

This is the first time Chow has had the opportunity to compete against strong teams from other Asian universities.

This year, he joined the STC Eagle Basketball Team to compete in the A1 division championship. He discovered that he'd improved a lot, mentally, at least.

He noted that, while playing at school emphasizes friendship, playing for a club prioritizes individual on-court performance.

"I am learning to keep a level head when not selected by the coach and to always be prepared."

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new Asian collegiate league, he said that he is eager to be involved.

Rikkyo University in Japan has also committed to the tournament. Most of its players are under 21.

"We are excited to be here. It's a great opportunity to bring our team to compete against strong teams from other Asian universities, and also to explore Hong Kong during our stay," said Masahiro Ando, the Japanese team's manager.

"The game will help the young members to explore more possibilities."