Coronavirus: jump rope champion Karl Cheung wants to take home-based coaching to the next level

The 2018 world champion is co-founder of Jump Rope for Good, which is trying to diversify its services and create income for coaches

The Covid-19 pandemic shows that traditional coaching methods may need to evolve, says ex-Hong Kong fencer Maria Chan

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Hong Kong’s top jump rope expert Karl Cheung in action. Photo: Jump Rope for Good

Published: 9:42am, 1 Apr 2020Updated: 1:49pm, 1 Apr 2020

Hong Kong can boast some of the best jump rope exponents in the world, and the sport may also be leading the way when it comes to home-based coaching.

The Covid-19 pandemic has put the livelihoods of hundreds of coaches in Hong Kong at risk with private coaching schools ordered closed because of social distancing and freelancers losing access to public facilities. Many have seen a 100 per cent loss of income in just a few months.

Karl Cheung Pak-hung, a 2018 world champion and co-founder of Jump Rope for Good (JRFG), said coaches in his sport were also suffering from the lack of work caused by the coronavirus outbreak, but they are hoping a new online course can bring the students back.

“Traditional sources of income are being heavily affected by the coronavirus with facilities being closed around Hong Kong,” said Cheung. “With our organisation, we have created a clear direction for students in what they have to achieve and have developed an online training package so kids and parents can train and practise safely at home.

Watch the Hong Kong jump rope team set a world record in 2016

“We have launched the package and the feedback has been quite encouraging. We hope the online programme can help to diversify our business and create new income sources for the company.”

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