Hong Kong men’s handball team admit it is ‘now or never’ to achieve success after award win

The Hong Kong men’s handball team admitted that they felt it was “now or never” to achieve on-court success after winning the best team prize for the first time at this week’s Cathay 2025 Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards.

Since the inception of the sports team award at the event in 2004, the majority – 17 out of 21 – on offer have been snapped up by rugby or football teams.

The city’s men’s handball team, which is an amateur side, became only the third sport – after cricket and lion dance – outside rugby and football to win the award.

The team won in recognition of their historic effort in reaching the semi-finals at the National Games at Kai Tak Arena last November.

Head coach Hui Man-pong said it felt “surreal” when their name was called out at the awards ceremony on Tuesday.

“Our team had been nominated for nine, if not 10 times previously, but we were always the also-rans only,” he said. “I wondered if I had heard wrongly when our team was called. The moment we won, it felt surreal and amazing.

“We thought it would be the same ending this year, but it’s true that everyone stands a chance if they work really hard. Our trophy was proof, so I hope all the athletes will work hard together.”

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