Lacrosse World Championships: Hong Kong ready to kick off historic Israel edition against debutants Luxembourg
Head coach Scott Browning’s 24-man squad will face the championship debutants, a day before the games officially start due to last-minute scheduling changes
The Hong Kong men’s lacrosse team has been selected to kick off the 2018 FIL Lacrosse World Championships in Netanya, Israel, in what will be the quadrennial tournament’s first time outside of the US, Canada, England and Australia.
“They approached myself and the Luxembourg coach about playing the game the night before. Both [Hong Kong] and Luxembourg were in town early and would not have been disadvantaged in any way – we’re going to enjoy that spotlight,” said Browning.
“This is the biggest lacrosse tournament in the world and this year is its biggest event with so many teams. We’re thrilled to be a part of it and will be making sure we compete in every game.”
Hong Kong will compete in the “Olive Division” pool against Poland, Luxembourg and Uganda at the Wingate Institute, Netanya.
This is Hong Kong’s fifth appearance at the championships, with promising 21-year-old goalkeeper Marco Leung Shek-hin the youngest Hong Kong player travelling to Netanya.
Form could not be any better after both the men’s and women’s team captured the Hong Kong Lacrosse Open championship earlier this year, upon which Browning based his final roster for Israel.