Hong Kong skipper Christy Cheng says she must remain calm for Asian women’s two-leg Olympic qualifier
Christy Cheng Ka-chi has had to learn how to control her emotions as she leads the Hong Kong women's sevens team into the most important month in their lives.
Christy Cheng Ka-chi has had to learn how to control her emotions as she leads the Hong Kong women's sevens team into the most important month in their lives.
The 29-year-old Cheng took over the role as captain two months ago and knows she has to lead by example at Asia's two-leg Olympic qualifiers in Hong Kong next weekend and Tokyo three weeks later.
Our coaches said it was a key area I needed to improve on. They wanted me to avoid that type of behaviour and calm down when giving directions … and not stir up emotions
This, she admits, has taken some adjustment.
"I used to shout and point out the issues on the field with lots of emotion," said Cheng.
"Our coaches said it was a key area I needed to improve on. They wanted me to avoid that type of behaviour and calm down when giving directions … and not stir up emotions.
"I have changed my way of communicating with team-mates. Now I give recommendations in a more persuasive way and in a much softer voice."
Tseung Kwan O-based Cheng was appointed captain for the Qingdao leg of the Asian Rugby Women's Sevens Series in September, where Hong Kong beat Japan in a semi-final and then China to win the title.