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Hockey • Tiffany CHAN Yin-ching

Tiffany CHAN Yin-ching, a hockey player

The 19-year-old Tiffany CHAN Yin-ching is already a Hockey veteran with numerous appearances in international matches. Although she feels gloomy sometimes, her passion towards the sport braces her up against any snag.

Years of hard work before enlistment into the Hong Kong team

Tiffany started playing mini Hockey at 7 and received weekly training at Kai Tak Mini Hockey Club, and developed an entrenched affection to the sport. With shining flair she persevered steadily with her training at Kowloon Cricket Club, and later transferred to Shaheen Sport Club. Tiffany now plays for Shaheen in the highest grade of the local league.

Recently, Tiffany made her first appearance in the Hong Kong team to compete in the East Asian Games 2013 and helped her team win 2nd runner-up in the 4th Women's Junior Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup held on August 2014. One month later, she also played against South Korea, the hosting country of 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014. During that game, the tension and vying atmosphere accentuated by the yelling of the home fans moved her. “The organizer arranged a live broadcast on television, and the stadium was heated up by the tidal emotions of the crowd. The opponent team played very well, and we learned a lot.”

Celebration of fellowship without fear of challenges

In fact, Hockey and Badminton had been her twin hobbies for many years until some point when she had to give up Badminton to spend more time on Hockey. Tiffany explained that the strong bonding of the team for the achievement of a single objective, and the fellowship for shared glory and shame, were the most enjoyable parts of Hockey as a team sport. So far, she’s been rocking the field for 12 years, which explains why she can draw a parallel between field and home, teammate and family. “During the game, I can forget about the troubles of daily life and just be me.”

Some said since there is frequent body contact in Hockey, players of the sport are prone to injury, especially female players. Tiffany, however, thinks Hockey is a sport that depends on speed and is exciting, so it can help girls toughen up. She also admits facing many troubles. In addition to suffering occasional yet uncritical injuries, she does experience emotional ups and downs, but has made it through with the fortunate support of her coach and family. “With their guidance, I manage to pick myself up eventually and keep going.”

Striving balance between Hockey and academics

Tiffany is now in her second year in the University of Hong Kong. To her, discipline is the key to balancing academics and hockey. “When the DSE clashed with the National Games, I didn’t change my practice pattern at all.” She further added that with good time management and a heart of perseverance to give one’s best, it is possible for sport to not affect one’s academics and to overcome all problems.

Live in the present, Gaze into the future

Unfortunately, Tiffany confesses that the biggest obstacle wasn’t her academics, but rather the lack of resources which makes it impossible for her to have a full-time Hockey career. “Hong Kong does not have any professional full-time Hockey players. International events depend on students’ participation. I can only afford local competition after graduating.” She stated that she can only participate in overseas competition at the moment because she is not in full-time employment and has no economic burdens. However, the career of an athlete is short and limited, so she must seize the day to live her dream.

Despite this, Tiffany wants to expressly thank the LCSD and Shaheen for aligning venues and organizing training for adults to promote sports. She also hopes that more resources would be available in the future to make it possible for this competent Asia team to play in foreign events.


Tiffany demonstrates skills of playing hockey