Sun Ming-him, a rising star in Hong Kong football, is drawing upon his experiences in the Chinese Super League (CSL) as he prepares for a crucial test against Nepal. The left-back's career has seen considerable change, and he believes the challenges he's faced playing in mainland China have made him mentally stronger.

Sun's move to the CSL came in February 2024 when he joined Cangzhou Mighty Lions from Eastern. He quickly secured a regular starting position, demonstrating his talent and adaptability. However, his time with Cangzhou was cut short due to the club's financial difficulties, which led to their exclusion from the Chinese leagues in 2025.

Despite this setback, Sun's impressive performances had caught the eye of Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, who wasted no time in acquiring him. Currently, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger holds a respectable sixth position in the CSL standings, providing Sun with a stable platform to further develop his skills.

Adapting to a new team and environment in Tianjin has been a learning curve for the 24-year-old. He acknowledges the initial challenges of finding his place and contributing effectively. He credits his new coach and teammates for their support, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing in the CSL.

Having already earned 34 caps for Hong Kong, Sun is a key figure in the national team. He also played a significant role in the under-23s' impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Games. His move to the CSL was seen as a positive step for Hong Kong footballers, paving the way for others to follow suit.

Sun recognizes the sacrifices he has made to play in the CSL, including spending less time with his family. However, he views it as a valuable opportunity for growth, both on and off the field. He believes the intensity and pressure of the CSL have helped him develop mental resilience, teaching him how to handle the psychological aspects of the game.

The upcoming friendly against Nepal at Hong Kong Stadium is seen as vital preparation for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India. Sun acknowledges that playing against Manchester United in a recent friendly provided a taste of the intensity to expect. He noted the aggression of such a strong team and feels his time in the CSL has toughened him up to face such challenges. The match against Nepal will allow the Hong Kong team, currently on an eight-game unbeaten run under coach Ashley Westwood, to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion.