Hong Kong boss hopes playing at Asian Games helps usher in professional women’s game

Ricardo Rambo has urged Hong Kong to use their Asian Games platform to send a message that the city is ready for professional women’s football.

Fears that revised qualification criteria would sideline the city men’s and women’s teams from this year’s Games were banished on Thursday when the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) revealed the Olympic Council of Asia had approved their participation in Japan.

Head coach Rambo, whose side were recently forced to quit the four-team Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai after only one match because of the Middle East conflict, last year aired frustrations over what he perceived as a “lack of support” for women’s football in the city.

Buoyed by the Asian Games news, however, Rambo said: “Having this competition is really important to show we can take the next step, and professionalising is the next step for Hong Kong women.

“We can achieve that by competing, by having good results and performances, and through the support we’re getting from all stakeholders.”

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