Preparing for 20 years to chase a National Games dream
The 15th National Games was held in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, with all competition events and mass participation events successfully completed. Among the many athletes who gave their blood, sweat, and tears in pursuit of their dreams were several colleagues from the Hospital Authority (HA). They included Lau Ho-kan, Patient Care Assistant III of the Non-Emergency Ambulance Transfer Service (NEATS) in the Kowloon West Cluster, who competed in the shuttlecock mass participation events; Mandy Lui, Advanced Practice Nurse (Quality & Safety) from the Kowloon West Cluster, and Chan Ngai-yung, Advanced Practice Nurse of the Clinical Oncology Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, who both took part in the badminton mass participation events.
Silver medal in Men's Team shuttlecock
Ho-kan and his Hong Kong team teammates finally stood on the podium in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, winning a silver medal in the Men's 3-on-3 Group B shuttlecock event. It was the first time Hong Kong had fielded a shuttlecock team at the National Games' mass participation event. The rules of shuttlecock are similar to volleyball, but players are not allowed to use their hands or arms. Kicking the shuttlecock over the net into opponent's court will score a point. Having devoted himself to the sport for over 20 years, Ho-kan describes the shuttlecock techniques as an incredibly diverse. "Every player has their own unique style and strengths: Some are known for their agile and versatile footwork, while others excel in the height and power of their kicks," he explains. As for himself, he specialises in a direct ‘stomping' style of attack, facing the opponent, targeting openings or weak spots, and lifting his foot to strike the shuttlecock with the sole.
Reflecting on the tournament, Ho-kan recalls the most memorable match was the semi-final against the Shanxi team. In the best-of-three match, the Hong Kong team won the first game but found themselves in a tough battle in the second. As a substitute player, he was brought on by the coach at a critical moment. "The coach made a tactical change, bringing me in to lead the attack with the ‘stomping' style," he says. The team ultimately turned the tide and won, advancing to the final. They narrowly lost to the Guangdong team to secure the silver medal.
One team, one heart
Off the court, Ho-kan is a patient care assistant in the NEATS, responsible for transferring patients for admission, discharge, and inter-hospital transfer. He has been in this role for over 10 years. He notes that whether working in a three-person team to safely transfer patients from an ambulance to their home or hospital, or being part of a three-person team on the shuttlecock court, "team chemistry and cooperation are crucial. Each member must contribute for the greater good of the team." Ho-kan also expresses his gratitude to the HA and Princess Margaret Hospital for approving authorised absence, allowing him to compete without worry and fully commit to the games.
Ho-kan's journey with shuttlecock began in secondary school, where a strong shuttlecock culture sparked his passion for the sport. He joined the school team and was later selected for the Hong Kong team in 2008. Now a veteran with 17 years of experience representing Hong Kong, shuttlecock has become an integral part of his life; he even met his close friends and his wife through the sport.
The National Games medal stands as a tremendous affirmation for Ho-kan and his teammates. "Winning a medal at the nation's largest sporting event is hugely meaningful, not just for me, but for the entire Hong Kong shuttlecock community," he says. Looking ahead, he dreams of standing on the stage of the World Championships and continuing to chase his dream.
