In the world of competitive sports, few athletes can claim to excel across multiple disciplines simultaneously. Currently ranked No. 1 in Asia across Women's Singles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, Joyce Chan has proven herself capable of doing just that through the relatively unknown sport of Racketlon—a unique multi-sport discipline that combines badminton, squash, table tennis, and tennis into one thrilling competition.

What is Racketlon?

Created in Finland and introduced to Hong Kong in 2006, Racketlon pits two players against each other in four racket sports—table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis. Each match consists of one game per sport, played to 21 points, with the total score determining the winner.

Globally governed by the Federation of International Racketlon (FIR) and locally promoted by the Hong Kong Racketlon Association (HKRA), the sport demands adaptability, mental resilience, and physical versatility. Players must adjust their techniques, strategies, and muscle groups within an hour-long session, making every point crucial.

A Lifelong Love for Sports

Nurtured by parents who actively encouraged physical activity, Joyce's love for sports began early in life. During primary school, she joined the Table Tennis Youth Development Programme, where she found her footing in racket sports. Later, Joyce transitioned to badminton, becoming part of the Badminton Elite Youth Team. These formative years laid the foundation for her athleticism, fuelling her affinity for racket sports.

At the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Joyce continued honing her skills as an active member of both the Chung Chi Badminton Team and the Chung Chi Table Tennis Team. Despite excelling in these sports, she had no prior experience with squash or tennis before discovering Racketlon—a revelation that came almost serendipitously after university.

Discovering Racketlon

While studying abroad in the UK, Joyce learned about a Racketlon tournament being held in Hong Kong. Intrigued by its unique nature, she decided to explore the sport further upon returning to the city. Encouraged by her badminton coach, who recognized her interest in racquet sports, Joyce joined some matches organized by the Racketlon association. This would mark the beginning of her Racketlon journey at age 23—a remarkably late start for competitive sports.

Her first taste of international competition came in 2022 when she represented Hong Kong at the World Championships in Austria. Though relatively inexperienced compared to other seasoned competitors, Joyce embraced the challenge head-on. "I didn't have any experience in squash and tennis, much less in competitions," she recalls. "Even though there was a huge gap between us, I still tried my best to fight for every point."

Overcoming Challenges

Transitioning into Racketlon wasn't easy. Despite her early exposure to table tennis and badminton, which rely heavily on speed and agility, squash and tennis demand different muscle groups and strategic approaches. Early matches often left Joyce frustrated, especially against older female athletes from overseas. "It was frustrating to see that they were not hitting properly, yet I still couldn't get any points off them," she admits. However, this steep learning curve only fuelled her determination to improve.

One key difference between Racketlon and traditional racquet sports is in the scoring system. In badminton, the primary goal is to win the match, but in Racketlon, every point counts—a single point could make or break the competition. Whether dominating in her strongest suits or battling through weaker ones, Joyce quickly adapted to this critical mindset shift. "You can't give away any points—even if my opponent is weak, I aim for a 21-0 win," she explains. Conversely, when facing superior opponents, she focuses on minimizing her losses rather than giving up entirely, making sure she fights for every point.

Aside from the physical demands, mental fortitude is equally important. As the current top-ranked Asian player, Joyce feels the weight of expectations. "People have a lot of expectations, and that stresses me out," she says. "I know I have a lot of room for improvement in all four sports, and I'm afraid I can't demonstrate my best side." To combat nerves during high-stakes matches, she reminds herself to simply do her best. "I tell myself: 'You can do it. You don't have to win; you just have to do your best.'"

Training and Balancing Life

Balancing academics, work, and training hasn't been easy for Joyce. Currently working as a technical staff in genomics while pursuing studies in medical laboratories, Joyce allocates her limited free time wisely, splitting her time between competitive matches, casual games with friends, and rest and recovery.

Socializing with family and friends rounds out her schedule, ensuring she maintains a healthy work-life balance, though she acknowledges her schedule is not ideal. "There has to be some give and take, to be honest—I don't have much time for hobbies," she admits.

Unlike many elite athletes, Joyce doesn't follow a rigid training regimen. Instead, she practices by joining gatherings hosted by fellow badminton enthusiasts or experimenting with new techniques during matches. Observing others and learning on the go has become her primary method of improvement, a flexible approach which allows her to make the most of her limited time.

Achievements and Milestones

Despite starting late in squash and tennis, Joyce has achieved significant milestones. Competing in the World Team Championships, she helped her team secure victory in the intermediate-level competition, qualifying them for the highest tier. Though she acknowledges between her team and top-tier competitors, Joyce is optimistic that they will close the gap over time. "I hope my story will inspire more people to know about Racketlon, so we can form a team that is more competitive internationally," she says.

For Joyce, success isn't solely defined by rankings or trophies. It's about inspiring others—especially young girls—to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. "Have an open mind, step out of your comfort zone and try something new—just give everything a go," she urges aspiring athletes. "If you don't like it, at least you've tried. Maybe you'll discover something you never expected."

Looking Ahead

As Joyce continues her Racketlon journey, her long-term goals extend beyond personal achievements. She aims to raise awareness about the sport in Hong Kong, encouraging more people to take up Racketlon. While venue limitations remain a challenge, she believes increased exposure could pave the way for growth. With dreams of competing well into her older years, Joyce draws inspiration from veteran players who maintain peak fitness despite their age. "I hope I can still play in my 50s," she laughs. "The best players in the world are moms—I hope I can be like them."

Reflecting on her rapid ascent, Joyce acknowledges the unwavering support of those around her—from coaches and teammates to friends and family. Their encouragement fuels her drive to push boundaries and break barriers, even as she navigates increasing time constraints and physical limitations. For now, she focuses on playing as much as she can while encouraging emerging talents to surpass her results.

From her humble beginnings in youth development programs to representing Hong Kong in the global arena, Joyce embodies the spirit of a true athlete—a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and passion. As Racketlon continues to gains popularity worldwide, Joyce's story is an inspiration to future generations, proving that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible—even mastering four sports in one.