Five-time champion Shui Qingxia guiding China PR’s new era

A member of the China PR team that broke through for a historic title at their first ever continental tournament in 1986, Shui went on to lift the trophy five times in the next 11 years, never playing in a losing side at the competition, and forming part of the most dominant team in the history of the women’s game in Asia.

A quarter century after her last successful visit to Asia’s flagship event as a player, Shui is now tasked with steering a new generation of Chinese players as head coach. She is the first ex-player to lead China PR at a major international event, an honour that gives her a unique insight into what it means to wear the famous red shirt of the eight-time champions, and what it takes to succeed on the continent’s biggest stage.

Prior to the team’s arrival in India, Shui joined the-AFC.com to discuss the challenge ahead, as the Chinese class of 2022 attempts to carve their own slice of history in a tournament they once ruled.