Can China reach the Paris Olympics in rugby sevens? Dealing with the expectation key in the final qualification

China’s rugby sevens coaches are confident their women’s team can live up to expectations at home and reach the Paris Olympics through the final qualifying tournament in Monaco, which starts on Friday.

And they have a former Hong Kong international helping their cause in the form of technical coach and video analyst Fan Shun-kei, who is under no illusions about the ambitions of Chinese officials.

Changes have been made since China fell short in their first attempt to qualify, at last November’s Asian qualifier, and went on to win the second-tier Challenger Series and qualify for the elite global circuit. However, Paris is a prime target for the government agency responsible for sport.

“This is huge for the whole team because the women’s side is under enormous pressure (to get results),” Fan said. “The General Administration of Sports of China obviously has higher expectations for us because we qualified for the Tokyo Games and won the Asian Games last year.

“Also, team sports in China haven’t been that successful, so they would like to see one team excel on the world stage.”

Fan was optimistic that the players could make it happen, even if only the winners of the 12-team event at Stade Louis II earned tickets to the French capital.

“Our chances are good, judging by the team’s capabilities and recent results,” said Fan. “There is only the final to play for – only one team is going to Paris – so we cannot underestimate any team.

“But at the same time we can’t be too nervous. The management team needs to make sure they are relaxed so they can do their best.”

Since losing to Kenya in their first Challenger Series match in January, China has gone on a 21-match winning streak after qualifying for next year’s elite series via Dubai, Montevideo, Krakow and the grand finals in Madrid.

“We know where we stand in terms of technique, tactics and physical fitness – we enjoy a bit of distance with the rest of the teams,” Fan said. “We should not lower our performance because of nervousness.

“You don’t know how to improve if you’re always at the top, but you can see room for improvement if you come second or third. For us, it’s about figuring out how to widen the gap.”

China is in Group C alongside Poland, the Czech Republic and Mexico in the qualifying tournament, which runs until Sunday.

Hong Kong is paired with Uganda, Paraguay and Jamaica in Pool B, while Argentina, Kenya, Papua New Guinea and Samoa are in Pool A.

The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages. The winner in Monaco will join the eleven qualified teams at the Stade de France, where rugby sevens matches will be held at the Games from July 24 to 30.