Playing hockey with fins

[Photo provided to China Daily]

"You have to make good use of your teammates and you should really be passing the puck around, take a breath, advance to a better location quicker and receive the puck again."

Out of the pool, the team reviews tactics and analyzes underwater footage, along with visits to the gym.

While there is a hard core of enthusiasts in Hong Kong, Chan says he would like to see more awareness of the game as well as technology and pools designed to help spectators engage fully with the sport.

Team member Flora Tang, 31, says that while water polo and scuba diving are well-known in the city, underwater hockey is still a mystery for most.

For her, it is a welcome escape from her day job in sales.

She says: "I enjoy the underwater feeling. It feels like you're dancing."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE