North Korea lifted the 2026 Women’s IHF Nations Trophy – Asia Zone IA undefeated.
Hong Kong, 10/18/2026 - Alfred Chu
Hong Kong and North Korea met again in the final after playing in the group stage. North Korea showed their dominance early in the tournament. North Korea won both matches in Group A, 30 - 24 against Hong Kong and 47- 10 against Macau, and reached the final after defeating Taiwan 30 - 19. North Korea remained undefeated in the tournament.
Hong Kong had 1 win against Macau and 1 loss against North Korea in Group A. Hong Kong defeated Vietnam 23 - 21 in the semi-final and reached the final to face North Korea.
Hong Kong showed home advantage in the opening minutes, leading 4 - 3 with local fans' support. North Korea responded quickly with a 4 - 0 run, forcing Hong Kong to call their first timeout. Hong Kong slowly found their momentum and scored 4 goals after the timeout, leveling at 9 - 9 in the 24th minute. North Korea fired 5 more goals, until Lei Ling Wu scored a 7-meter throw before the half-time whistle. North Korea led 14 - 10 entering the second half.
Hong Kong supporters on the stand
Hong Kong responded immediately at the start of the second half, closing the gap to 14:16. Forced North Korea to take a timeout to reset themselves. North Korea controlled the rest of the second half, maintaining a 3- to 4-point lead. North Korea's defense stepped up to limit Hong Kong scoring, North Korea goalkeeper Ok Gyong Choe shone and made critical saves when 5 2-minute suspension was called in the second half on North Korea.
North Korea crowned the Women’s IHF Nations Trophy – Asia Zone IA, defeating Hong Kong 25 - 22. North Korea served 9 2-minute suspensions, but Hong Kong couldn’t find the net with many chances and a player advantage. Ji Hyang Kim, North Korea's top scorer with 7 goals, was sent off early on a red card after receiving the third 2-minute suspension.
Hong Kong star right back Lei Ling Wu scored 7 for Hong Kong, 3 from 7-meter throws. Hong Kong had many chances to attack but struggled to put the ball in the net, only 5 other players scored tonight.
Lei Ling Wu said the team had confidence and was in good form after playing in the Asian Games and this tournament, they are getting closer to North Korea’s level of game. “We had chances in this game, but unfortunately I didn’t take the chances. As a professional team, they were better defensively, limiting our chances, this is a place we need to work on. If we play against them in the Asian Women's Handball Championship, I hope to get a win from them and keep improving ourselves.”
Lei Ling Wu, the tournament's top goalscorer with 27 goals, announced to join The Terrace Hotels Latida Ryukyu in the Japan Handball League on a 2-year deal days before the tournament, is expected to join the team in November. She confirmed to Sport Chaser Images that she would represent Hong Kong in the Asian Women's Handball Championship next month in Kazakhstan.
North Korea Ji Hyang Kim
Hong Kong right back Lei Ling Wu (Left) attempts to score in front of North Korea defender
Hong Kong head coach Tsz Yan Ko was happy with the team’s performance. He felt the team weren’t far behind North Korea’s level, and they needed better finishing in front of the goal in a tight game, “Overall, it was what we expected. We made it to the final, but unfortunately we didn’t win at the end." Tsz Yan also mentioned this tournament helps them to prepare for the Asian Women's Handball Championship next month, “It will be a higher-level game, playing against teams who are at a professional levels, this is a good opportunity for us to simulate and plan for our next tournament.”
Hong Kong receiving their metals and trophy for second place
Hong Kong thanking the supporters and fans on the stand