Hong Kong ‘crazy guys' among fans flocking to South Korea for East Asian Football Championship
Hundreds of supporters are set to back the team against Japan on Tuesday, and hosts South Korea on Friday, before an expected four-figure travelling army roar on Hong Kong in next week's blockbuster clash with China.
The group Chi Sin Lo, 'Crazy Guys' in Cantonese, have around 900 members in a WhatsApp channel launched for the tournament.
'The football culture in Hong Kong is continuously growing,' Calvin Choi, a core Chi Sin Lo member, said. 'About 10 years ago, the [ultra] fans group was 10 people. If you stood up in the stadium, people would ask you to sit down and stop blocking their view.
'Hong Kong people love watching Barcelona or Manchester United, but you're shouting at the TV, the players don't know who you are. When they get in the stadium, they realise it's much more passionate than football on TV. It's happening in front of them.
'People are motivated by the environment. Following Hong Kong, you can talk with the players, and have selfies with them. They remember you. The connection is closer than anywhere else.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong karting champion overcomes UK crash to chase F1 dream
About a year ago, Katrina Ee had a scary crash. This incident occurred while the Hong Kong-Malaysian karting champion was competing in the United Kingdom. '[The kart] flipped on the track. I landed on the back of my shoulder, and I broke the bone,' said Katrina, 15. The young racer had to stop karting for about eight weeks. She suffered a broken shoulder. But Katrina was drawn to the sport despite the dangers. In the last three years, she has become a regional karting champion. Living her dream Katrina started karting at the age of seven when she visited a track in Malaysia. She loved 'the thrill, the speed' of the sport. 'I really enjoyed all of that competitiveness and being fearless,' she said. Katrina grew up in Hong Kong, where the karting community is small. She moved to Malaysia at the age of 10 to pursue a career in the sport. She has also stopped going to a traditional school. Last academic year, she joined Minerva Virtual Academy, an online international school for athletes. 'It helps me balance my classes,' she said. She added that she could complete her schoolwork at her own pace. The hard work and sacrifices have paid off for Katrina, who has won several junior Asian titles since the age of 12. She said these wins were some of her proudest moments. Racing as a girl Another reason she feels so motivated to improve as a racer is to 'beat the boys'. 'It's just really nice to break boundaries as a driver and especially as a girl,' she said. Most athletes in karting are boys. Katrina wants to make a statement and showcase her capabilities as a female racer. But she has faced some resistance. 'I've had a few times where I was on track, and I was getting pushed off by the boys,' she said. 'It makes me more motivated to push them off.' Katrina does not let negative experiences bring her down. 'Gender doesn't really matter ... You can't really compare or care about the people around you,' the young champion said. Katrina is proud to represent Malaysia as a female driver. More young women and girls are participating in karting. She said she felt the sport was becoming much more 'supported by women'. Katrina hopes to become a successful Formula One driver one day. Until then, she will continue to show her strength and work ethic.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong breakdancers dream of the world stage
Sze Kwong-yik is part of a group of Hong Kong breakdancers who want to show the city's talent to the world. Known as B-boy Sosze, the 29-year-old has been breaking for nearly 18 years. He is one of six male breakers on the Hong Kong team that is hoping for a spot in the 2026 Asian Games. Sze said the sport could be a lifeline for some young people in Hong Kong. 'Breaking gave us focus; it kept us grounded … It taught us discipline and life lessons we'd never have learned otherwise,' he said. Learning from the best More than 100 breakdancers from 20 countries came together for a showdown at Hong Kong's largest breakdancing event in March. The competition was organised by UTLR852 Breaking Club, which is based in Hong Kong. It was judged by Olympic gold medallist Philip Kim – also known as Phil Wizard – and Narumi, Team Japan's head coach for the Paris Olympics. With intricate footwork, powerful moves and head spins, the event was a place for B-boys and B-girls from around the world to connect and battle. It was also a chance for local breakers to learn from international dancers. 'Many of these international dancers – some of them world champions – are on another level. We can absorb so much from them,' Sze said. B-boy Child Kin at this year's UTLR2025: The Comeback Kidz, Hong Kong's largest breakdancing event. Photo: Handout More than just a dance The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris was the first time that breaking was an official Olympic event. This competitive dance sport combines artistry, rhythm and acrobatic moves. It began in the 1970s in New York, the United States. 'With the Olympics … more people understand breaking now, and more kids are getting into it,' said 24-year-old B-boy Lai Tsz-kin. 'There's more attention, support and respect for what we do.' Also known as B-boy Child Kin, Lai began breaking at the age of 11. He learned about the sport when he saw a group of teens spinning on their heads on a basketball court. 'Everyone has their own style, and the way you dance says, 'This is me.' That's what makes it so challenging – and why I'm still passionate about it,' Lai said. Sze started breaking because of an online dance battle game called Audition Online. 'I saw these cartoon characters spinning so impressively, and I thought, 'There's no way real people can do that,'' he recalled. Then, he came across Lollipop, a famous Taiwanese boy band that had breakdancers. 'Seeing them spin just as amazingly made me realise it was possible – and that's what sparked my interest,' he said. 'We use different parts of our bodies to create movements – things you'd never do in everyday life.' 'Creating new moves … is what's kept me breaking ever since,' he added.
South China Morning Post
16 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Chinese rising star reaches WTT Smash final, eyes first title
There will be a new women's champion at the World Table Tennis (WTT) United States Smash after China's Chen Yi and Zhu Yuling of Macau reached the final on Saturday. Chen, 19, beat compatriot Kuai Man 4-3 in her first semi-final, winning 6-11, 11-3, 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1, 11-9 in 53 minutes. Chen levelled the match on three occasions and came from behind in the tense decider. It was the rising star's second win in as many matches against world No 5 Kuai. 'I had played against Kuai so many times before and we were on a similar level,' Chen said. 'I guess I had a bit more luck today, and I am thrilled right now. '[My final opponent] Zhu is more experienced. I lost 3-0 to her in Taiyuan, so obviously I am the underdog here and I will do the best I can to challenge her.' Zhu Yuling has her sights on a first title after reaching the WTT Smash final. Photo: Handout Chen's run – which included a stunning 3-1 win over Sun Yingsha and a victory from 3-0 down to eliminate Japan's Hina Hayata – in Las Vegas sparked an off-field saga back home.
