Triumph in Women's Soccer

In June this year, the Mulan Soccer Club of the Republic of China captured the Asian Women's Soccer Cup outright by winning the trophy for the third straight time in a tournament held in Hong Kong. In the final game, the Mulan girls showed their efficient teamwork by beating the Thai team 5-0. This followed victories over Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong 1-0, 10-0, 3-0 and 1-0 respectively. The team, nine of whose members were named as "soccer stars," proceeded to Hawaii, where they won two friendly matches.

The skilled performance of the ROC team in the final match against Thailand received widespread praise, and drew interest toward women's soccer in Hong Kong, where the men's game is universally popular. Crowds cheered every goal, and mobbed the players after the match.

Because of the sensitive political situation in Hong Kong, it was ruled that teams could only display their own pennants, and not national flags. Despite this rule, many ROC flags could be seen among the spectators. Patriotic overseas Chinese even wore clothes featuring the national flag, and held parties in honor of the Mulan team.

In view of Mulan's past history, its victory was not entirely unexpected. Seven years ago, the Asian Women's Soccer Association notified each member country to select five outstanding players to organize and train an Asian all-star team, with the aim of promoting women's soccer in Asia. After holding trials in Taipei and Taichung, the ROC Football Association selected five players for the all-star team, and 19 others to form the basis of a national team. The name "Mulan" was chosen by association chairman Cheng Wei- yuan in memory of Hua Mu-lan, a famous historical figure who re placed her father on the war-front. He said he hoped the players would emulate this heroine of ancient times, and thereby promote athletics in general in the Republic of China.

In 1976, the ROC Football Association selected another women's soccer team, which, after two months of training, took part in friendly matches held in Asian countries. Victories over Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia gave the team renewed confidence. Six months later, the ROC team won the championship in the second Asian Women's Soccer Tournament held in the Republic of China, and success fully defended its title in the third tournament held in India last year.

Gen. We-go Chiang, president of the Republic of China Football Association, said that the team's triumph in winning the trophy out right is of particular significance. "It brings confidence and pride to our countrymen at a time when the international boycott of ROC sports teams still persists," he said.

[Picture Caption]

1. The Mulan team, representing the Republic of China, meets the Japanese team to defend its title in the Fourth Asian Women's Cup. 2. Chou Tai-ying, the "Iron Legs" of the Mulan team scored 20 goals in the seven games. 3. Liu Yu-chu, leader of the Mulan team, receives the trophy for successfully defending the title in the Asian Women's Cup. 4. Overseas Chinese in Hong Kong wave ROC national flags to cheer the Mulan team.

Kao Yung, coach of the Mulan team teaches team members how to win the game.

Chou Tai-ying, the "Iron Legs" of the Mulan team scored 20 goals in the seven games.

Liu Yu-chu, leader of the Mulan team, receives the trophy for successfully defending the title in the Asian Women's Cup.

Overseas Chinese in Hong Kong wave ROC national flags to cheer the Mulan team.

Kao Yung, coach of the Mulan team teaches team members how to win the game.