Members of the "HK Typhoon" underwater hockey club fight for possession of the puck (top), during their once-a-week team practice session at a 25-meter school pool in Hong Kong. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A former competitive swimmer, the 28-year-old Chan learned to play the sport while studying in the United States.

He decided to set up a Facebook page seeking fellow fans on his return to Hong Kong in 2010 as he missed playing what he describes as a "fast-paced and three-dimensional" game.

"I started receiving messages from veterans from all over the world who had transferred to Hong Kong to work. They have a lot of experience in playing, teaching and even competing at the highest level," says Chan.

Chan's Facebook group is followed by nearly 200 people and his fellow Hong Kong players have now formed a competitive team, taking part in their first tournament in May last year.

They finished third out of 11 Chinese cities that participated in the China Cup in Chengdu.

The team's long-term aim is to secure a place in the underwater hockey world cup－but for now they are setting their sights on this year's China Cup in May.

"We are aiming for the first prize and I'm very confident about it," says Chan of the upcoming tournament in Hangzhou.