Ying Wa have one of the strongest handball teams among secondary schools in Hong Kong. In February this year, Ying Wa proved their superiority by winning the All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Handball Tournament.

Pong said Ying Wa had an advantage over other schools because the players receive early training.

'We start training handball talents when they are in primary school,' he said. 'Therefore, our team is already intact when they are promoted to Secondary One. This makes our Grade C team very strong.

'There is less time for foundation training if an athlete starts playing handball when he enters secondary school.'

The coach said it is better to learn handball skills at a young age. 'It is important that they know how to protect themselves. Besides, they can read the game better if they start training at a young age,' said Pong.

'Body contact in handball is only a little less than rugby. Therefore, besides protecting themselves, handball players should have great courage.'

Team member Ryan Ng Yin-kwai, 18, agreed. 'You can't be afraid of pain or falling if you play handball. From handball, I've learned to face the challenges, never give up and strive to reach the target.'

Ying Wa students practise two times a week after school.

Their handball team is like a big family.

'We're good teammates on the court and great friends off the court. Therefore, our team spirit is strong and this helps us to beat other teams,' said Garson Lau Ka-shun, who, like Ryan, has been on the school's handball team for five years.

Pong said his next target is the primary school handball championship. 'We'd set a record if our primary school team can achieve the goal. We have the confidence [to do it],' he said.