Home sweet home for triumphant HK women’s ice hockey team returning from World Championship

Hong Kong women’s ice hockey team received overwhelming support and welcome at the airport on Tuesday as they returned to the SAR from Romania after having crowned champion for the first time in the group A event of the Ice Hockey Women's World Championship Division III. 

Speaking to local media, the team’s head Annie Kwan Yuen-yee referred to an earlier national anthem blunder and said the management should be the one responsible over any mistakes made by the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association (HKIHA), not the athletes. 

“All our athletes remained tough and did not give up despite Covid-19. Instead, they insisted on playing even if they fell sick and strived for the excellent results we share today. I am really proud of them,” Kwan said. 

“Please don’t affect our athletes, because they have been working really, really hard,” Kwan added. 

Kan Yeung-kit, chairman of the HKIHA, said the anthem controversy will take some time before the heat cools down, adding that anyone who makse a mistake will deserve the punishment. 

Kan also believed the incident affects all athletes in Hong Kong, as he pointed out that athletes were very anxious before the anthem was played and could only breathe a sigh of relief after the correct anthem was played. 

The team’s captain Adrienne Li was welcomed by her husband and five-year-old daughter Kayla. Her husband called on the government to provide the ice hockey sector with more support and resources following this outstanding achievement by the women’s team. 

“Mom has been training hard, and I’m very happy to see her winning a medal,” Kayla also said. 

As for the recent developments of the anthem controversy, Kwan said the HKIHA will submit a report that can full satisfy the requirements of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee. 

She added today is a happy day for all ice hockey teams in Hong Kong and shouldn’t be discussing bad news. 

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