Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Passing, jumping and shooting. Anticipating, catching and counter-attacking. In a flash of lightning-fast movement, players surge across the court in a high-octane battle of reflexes, trading plays around neutral rebound frames where every second counts.
Known as the “gentleman’s sport”, tchoukball is rapidly capturing attention across Hong Kong with its unique blend of relentless pace and strict no-contact rules.
Behind this growing sporting phenomenon, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has made its funding scheme for new sports a permanent initiative, ensuring sustained support for organisations promoting emerging sports across Hong Kong.
Unique gameplay
Unlike conventional ball games, tchoukball teams share neutral rebound frames at both ends of the court, meaning either target can be attacked.
To score, players hurl the ball at a frame; it must rebound outside the “forbidden zone” and hit the court before a defender catches it. A caught rebound instantly sparks a counter-attack, which can be at either end of the court.
With no pass interceptions, shot-blocking or physical contact allowed, this strict code of fair play keeps action clean, earning tchoukball its reputation as a gentleman’s sport.
Teamwork focus
For player Thomas Lui, who first encountered the sport during a physical education lesson at primary school, tchoukball’s magic lies in its unique rules and absolute demand for collective trust.
During an attack, rules restrict a player from holding the ball for more than three seconds and taking more than three steps. A team is also allowed a maximum of three passes before taking a shot.
“We cannot dribble when we attack, and defenders cannot obstruct their opponents,” Mr Lui explained.
For him, the sport’s greatest appeal lies in its emphasis on teamwork.
Winning requires more than just one star player. Everyone has to pull their weight and trust that their teammates will deliver.
“This naturally creates a cohesive and supportive environment,” Mr Lui said.
Financial backing
To support the development of emerging sports, the LCSD launched the Pilot Scheme on Subvention for New Sports in 2021, providing eligible sports organisations with funding on an individual project basis to promote new sports.
Following positive results, the initiative was regularised starting from 2025-26.
Among the beneficiaries is the Tchoukball Association of Hong Kong, China, which received about $100,000 in funding for the 2026-27 term.
Association committee member Chen Shut said the funding will mainly support promotional training courses and two major local showcases: the Inter-school Tchoukball Competition and the Hong Kong Tchoukball League.
“The resources provided under the scheme allow the league to be organised more systematically, as part of the venue rental costs can be subsidised,” Ms Chen said.
Following the scheme’s regularisation, the association is also exploring sustainable promotional initiatives, including inter-district training courses.
“The funding provides more opportunities for Hong Kong citizens to experience new sports,” she said. “At the same time, it allows us to promote tchoukball and make the sport more widely known.”
Broad growth
LCSD figures show that 23 sports organisations received funding in 2025-26 following the scheme’s regularisation, with that figure rising to 28 in 2026-27.
Financial support has also grown from the pilot stage.
LCSD Leisure Manager (Sports Funding) Jasmine Choi noted that the funding ceiling for each successful organisation rose from $180,000 in 2024-25 to $200,000 in 2025-26.
The department will continue to earmark $5 million annually to back eligible sports bodies on an individual project basis.
“Through the Subvention Scheme for New Sports, the department hopes to provide sustained support for sports organisations committed to developing and promoting new sports in Hong Kong,” Ms Choi said.
“We also wish to give members of the public more opportunities to learn about and try different new sports, broaden their choices in sports participation and ultimately encourage more people to exercise regularly and lead an active lifestyle.”