AT the men’s street qualification in the skateboarding competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Tuesday, 36-year-old Luk Chun-yin from Hong Kong, China, was a notable presence among a sea of teenage contestants.

Although he missed the finals after an underwhelming performance in two rounds, his enthusiasm was evident, his smile undiminished by the pressures of competition.

“I didn’t perform well. It was like my feet weren’t cooperating,” he said. “But I did manage to pull off several tricks.”

Luk started skateboarding at 13. Over his two-decade career, he has participated in numerous events and collected many medals. The Hangzhou event marked his second appearance at the Asian Games.

He reflected on the evolution of skateboarding in Hong Kong noting a shift in public perception. “In the past, skateboarding was often associated with delinquency,” he recalled. “However, in recent years, perceptions have shifted, and people have come to understand it as a healthy, joy-filled sports.”

From having no skate parks to now boasting dedicated facilities and coaches, Luk has witnessed the impressive growth of skateboarding in Hong Kong.

In recent years, he has also competed in the Chinese mainland, noting its rapid development in skateboarding. “Professional training facilities, coaches, and a growing number of events have contributed to the bright future of skateboarding,” he observed.

Besides his professional skateboarding career, Luk has taken on the role of a coach, aiming to further the sport’s reach. (Xinhua)