Interviews by Armindo Neves
With the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games on Sunday in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya prefecture, the Macao Sports Delegation returned home in triumph with a historic haul of one gold, four silver, and one bronze medal.
Yesterday, Hou Kong Middle School (Primary Section) invited the local Asian Games Women’s Changquan silver medallist Sou Cho Man to share her experiences with the students.
Sou, an alumna of Hou Kong Middle School, has also clinched two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal at a previous Taolu World Cup; two gold, two silver, and two bronze at the World Wushu Championships; one silver at the World Combat Games; as well as one gold, one silver, and one bronze at the Asian Wushu Championships–totalling 18 medals in her career path.
Speaking to the Post on the campus on Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque, Sou said that during her preparations she had sustained injuries to her ribs and lower back. However, Sou was quick to add, she persisted with her training and, with the assistance of the local team doctor, recovered to win a medal.
Sou, born in July 1997, encouraged the primary students in Hou Kong to adopt the spirit of “indomitable resilience and an unyielding spirit”, emphasising that results are not always immediately visible – noting that she had persevered for 10 to 20 years before seeing her main achievements.
She suggested setting small goals, such as mastering a specific technical move, and overcoming challenges step by step. She also advised students to communicate closely with teammates and teachers, balance physical and mental training, and never give up.
Sou’s mother, who attended the sharing session, told the Post that her daughter’s achievements exceeded all expectations. She pointed out that she was also a Hou Kong Middle School graduate and a former member of the school wushu team who competed in the Asian Games’ first wushu event in 1990. Although she did not win a medal, she was proud to have witnessed the local development of wushu over the years.
Sou’s mother also mentioned that when Sou was younger, she had to juggle full-time training with her studies – revising past 11:00 o’clock each night, training in athletics from just after 6:00 a.m., and even reading on the bus. She praised her daughter’s diligence and perseverance, and encouraged parents to let their children participate in more sports to build up their fitness and maintain good health.
Three wushu students coached by Sou shared their thoughts. Long Hio In told the Post she was thrilled that her coach had won silver, describing her as approachable and friendly. She recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sou strained her shoulder while training at home but still persisted, eventually winning gold in competition. Long vowed to learn from her never-give-up spirit.
Lian Iok Long said Sou was gentler than other coaches, adding that he was most impressed by the story of her becoming a flag bearer at a young age. Lian, who has won a Tai Chi award, expressed his gratitude to Sou for her guidance and expressed his desire to continue competing in the future.
Lian Iok Ieng noted that her coach was her senior schoolmate and that she felt honoured to attend the same school. She admires how Sou juggles athletics, wushu, and dance without fear of hardship, adding that she looks up to her as a role model in overcoming difficulties and hopes to win awards in international competitions.
The school’s deputy director, Wang Shize, told the Post that inviting alumna Sou to share her life experiences was intended to help students understand the importance of perseverance from a young age so they can shine on various stages in life. He highlighted that the school’s physical education curriculum emphasises cultivating “portable” skills and resilient character.
Being an athlete and postgraduate student juggling her studies and training, Sou serves as an exemplary role model for students, Wang said. He mentioned that Hou Kong has invited her to serve as a wushu coach as the school expands its programme from basic classes to a talent development squad, allowing interested students to receive professional training. In the future, the school will continue to invite different athletes to share their journeys and inspire students.
Local martial artist Sou Cho Man (centre, left) attends yesterday’s sharing session held at Hou Kong Middle School (Primary Section) on Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque. – Photos courtesy of Hou Kong Middle School
Local martial arts practitioner Sou Cho Man (centre) holds her 20th Asian Games Women’s Changquan silver medal, poses for a group photo flanked by her mother (sitting next to her, wearing a black T-shirt), Hou Kong Middle School (Primary Section) teachers and students on the school campus yesterday.
