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Mark Agnew

The Asian Cup for bouldering is in Hong Kong for the first time ever, but Yu Wai-ping will not let the occasion get the better of her.
“To be honest, it is my first time in such big event,” the 18-year-old said.
“Luckily, I have participated in different competitions before, so I am not as nervous as I should be.”
Bouldering requires climbers to make technical moves, but never more than a few metres off the ground. So they do not use a rope.
With a limited number of holds, endurance is not a factor in the same way it is on long routes, allowing competitors to push their technical ability.
Bouldering is one of three climbing disciplines that will debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, along with lead climbing and speed climbing.

For Yu, the Asian Cup is an exciting chance to represent her hometown in front of a local crowd.
“I am so excited that Hong Kong will hold such a large competition and I could be one of the participants,” she said.
“Having the support of teammates is the main difference while I am representing Hong Kong. When you are competing individually, you are on your own.”
WATCH: Yu Wai-ping lead climbing


And she has many talented teammates to help her.
Also representing Hong Kong is Shoji Chan Cheung-chi. He won the Hong Kong Bouldering Championships in 2017 and China National Games in 2016, so expectations are high.
“There is pressure on me but this is normal as I face pressure in every competition,” Chan said. “I also turn such pressure into my motivation, to push myself forward.”
Chan is focused on qualifying for the final bouldering route at the Asian cup on March 10 and 11.

Yuen Wing-sze came eighth in the Hong Kong Bouldering Championships last year and believes having the Asian Cup at home is an advantage.
“Competing in a familiar environment is always a plus and we do not need to spend so much time in transport, so we can put all our energy on the race,” she said.

Yu will not just be relying on her own team for advice, and has spread her network wide.
“I have met Jian Kim and Sol Sa from the Korea team,” she said. “They really give me lots of support and motivation to be a better climber.”
The Koreans have taught her about determination and mindset to succeed at climbing.
“Sometimes, I may feel depressed, they inspire me to persist, and remind me that I should never give up.”
The Asian Cup will be held March 10-11 in the Piazza at Kowloon Park.


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Yu Wai-ping is only 18 years old and competing in the Asian Cup. Photos: Handout

Bouldering

Sport

Outdoor

Extreme Sports

Hong Kong

Yu Wai-ping has never competed in such a big competition but cannot wait to show off her skills with team in run up to Tokyo 2020
