China selects Hong Kong handball players – but are they eligible to switch team?
Wong Kin and Toby Lin chosen for China reserve squad after catching eye during National Games, while they remain in Hong Kong team too
Two players in Hong Kong’s handball team have been called up to China’s training squad after their stand-out performances at the National Games, raising questions over their eligibility to potentially switch sporting allegiance.
Wong Kin and Toby Lin Yun-to caught the attention of China selectors during the Games, in which Hong Kong’s part-time team stunned several professional sides on their way to the city’s best-ever finish of fourth place.
But any plans for the duo to play for China may be complicated by rules governing eligibility for international sport – in which Hong Kong, although part of China, competes under its own flag.
According to International Handball Federation rules, a player wishing to switch team must, in addition to holding the requisite citizenship, “have been living in the territory of the federation concerned for more than 36 consecutive months”.
They also must not have played for another international team in the three years preceding their first appearance for their new team in an official match. Official fixtures include those in global or continental championships, or qualifying matches for those.
Hong Kong’s squad, including Wong and Lin, are preparing for the Asian Championships, which will take place in Kuwait from January 15 to 29.