3x3 basketball: Li Tsz-kwan eyes pro career after becoming second Hong Kong athlete to earn Red Bull sponsorship
- The 25-year-old established herself as one of the world’s top half-court players after Hong Kong’s silver medal at the 2019 World Reign Finals
- Li works as a teaching assistant, with the stable hours allowing her to spend time training and player
Basketball player Li Tsz-kwan said she was looking forward to pursuing a professional career after becoming the second Hong Kong player to be given a Red Bull sponsorship.
The 25-year-old primary school assistant teacher, who led Hong Kong to second place behind Canada at the 2019 Red Bull Reign Finals 3x3 competition, joins rope skipping champion Timothy Ho as the city’s only two athletes supported by the drinks company.
After her hopes of going pro in China were dashed last year by the Covid-19 pandemic, Li is hopeful of reviving her dreams. The sponsor was unable to provide details of the deal.
“When I found that I was to be given a sponsorship, I was very excited because I know it is difficult to be a Red Bull athlete,” said Li, who was supposed to train with the Chinese Women’s Basketball League last year before Covid-19 struck.
“I think they started to take notice of me after the half court [2019 Reign] finals and decided to help support my career. I always wanted to be a professional athlete since I was young but I knew in a place like Hong Kong, it would be difficult. That’s why I’m grateful for this sponsorship because I can now try to fulfil my ambitions.”
