Hong Kong China make big boat debut at world level

The final day of the 2025 World Rowing Championships featured, for the first time ever, the mixed eight. A total of 10 nations entered crews in the event’s debut, including Hong Kong China.

It is the first time ever that Hong Kong China entered an eight of any type in any World Rowing event, although they have competed at the Asian Games in eights in the past. Their crew for Shanghai consisted of their men’s four, lightweight women’s double and single scullers, and their women’s pair – with Wong Sheung Yee from that boat in the coxes’ seat.

With enough athletes competing in Shanghai to form an eight, it was a no-brainer to make it happen, although the group did not manage to get out in the boat much. Combining the differing styles of three separate crews was the primary challenge, says Wong.

“It’s about the fitness, the technique. I didn’t row much with boys, but we may have different commands, the mental situation might be slightly different, and that’s not easy to keep us together,” she says. “It’s quite hard because the strength is different and our style is pretty different. We are the men’s four, and it’s quite different,” agrees Pak Hong Chen, who sat in the six-seat.

Leung King Wan, the other half of the women’s pair, says the extra speed generated by rowing with men is fun. “The guys row faster than the girls, so it’s like we girls have motors installed too,” she laughs.

Lam Sam Tung says bringing the men and women together is an enjoyable challenge. “I also competed in the eight at my first Asian Games. I really enjoy racing in these large boats because they fully showcase teamwork and overall strength – you need eight athletes of similar skill levels working together to have a fast eight,” Lam says.

For Wong, there was the additional challenge of coxing. “I coxed a long time ago, I tried, but in recent years I’ve never coxed an eight so I’m a bit nervous but also excited. At least for me I have a lot of room to improve to be a good cox,” she admits.

But the privilege of racing the eight for the first time was tangible for the Hong Kong China athletes. “It’s always exciting to join a new event, being the first ones to represent your country, to participate in a new event,” says Wong.

“The vibe is quite cool in an eight,” says Pak, adding: “It’s amazing, because I’ve never rowed with the girls, ever. It’s a brand new experience for me. I don’t know how to describe my feelings right now, it’s quite special.”