At Delhi airport, the Chinese Taipei men’s hockey team waited patiently for their connecting flight to Gaya, Bihar — the gateway to Rajgir, host city of the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup. Ranked 41st in the world, the team had secured their ticket to the continental event as runners-up at the AHF Cup earlier this year. Their coach, Wang Yun-Chang, could barely hide his excitement.
In a brief chat with Telecom Asia Sport at the boarding gate — translated by the team manager — Wang spoke candidly about how hockey in Chinese Taipei is still concentrated in just a handful of regions, and how funding hurdles continue to slow the sport’s growth.
Most of the hockey players come from Taitung County and Nantou County, and they study in the Taipei City University.
No fewer than 10 players in the squad are 20 or younger, including captain Chang Chun-Yu, underscoring the student-heavy nature of the side. The most senior players are limited in experience too — the highest number of caps is just 19, shared by Chang-Chun Yu, Tsai Chang-Yu, Hseih Tsung-Yu and Ting An-Chiu.
The kids are young… most of them study in universities. They train in school and university before the national association selects them for the national team, where they come together under one coach.
A Harsh Reality Check
Chinese Taipei began their Pool B campaign against defending champions South Korea and endured a 7-0 defeat. Their inexperience, combined with the sweltering humidity, left them exposed against a battle-hardened opponent. Still, Wang remains optimistic: “They are very proud of playing the Asia Cup and they want to improve their game to play at a higher level.”
Funding the Dream
The other major hurdle for hockey in Chinese Taipei is funding — a challenge not unique to them. Even established hockey nations like New Zealand face financial constraints. Oman, winners of the AHF Cup, pulled out of the Asia Cup altogether due to lack of funds.
It’s through donations from local companies, associations, schools and universities. They supported the trip, while the government covered the flight tickets.
China Rivalry? Not Quite
Both Wang and the manager avoided stoking any narrative of rivalry with China, instead offering an honest reflection on the gap in standards.
The rivalry with China is just for promotion. We simply try to give our best.
