“This is my first time playing in such a big tournament like the Asian Cup,” said Ke. “And I feel like we have got to this stage step by step, into the semi-finals. I have full trust and belief in my teammates, and there is a sense of accomplishment as we have overcome many difficulties as a team.”

Ke’s journey began in primary school, where she played football before discovering futsal during school hours. This transition came naturally and soon she was fully hooked on the sport.

“I started playing football in primary school and then I switched to futsal,” she recalled.

That decision would shape the course of her sporting life.

Now two years with the national team, Ke also plays club futsal for Hangzhou Lingping FC. Her development has been shaped by strong mentors, including head coach Hu Jie and national team captain Zhan Huimin. 

“From the very beginning I learned from our captain Hui (Zhan Huimin), her experience, calmness and observation. It’s something I really admire. My game in futsal is teamwork and  I'm really focused on that."

That trait was on full display in China PR’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in the group stage, where Ke was at her creative best.

She opened the scoring in the eighth minute after turning superbly on the edge of the arc and curling in a fine finish. She later assisted Zhan Zewen's goal after reacting quickest to a rebound, and rounded off her night with a classy solo effort to seal the win.

Against Indonesia, Ke turned provider again, setting up Yu Ting for the team’s fifth goal in a commanding 6-0 victory.

But beyond her technical contribution, Ke is inspired by the energy of the home fans.

“The support has exceeded my expectations,” she said. “The crowd have never made any complaints or displayed any negativity, simply supporting us in every way. And it gives us huge motivation to win in every game.”

The Asian Cup is another level among Ke’s experience in playing continental futsal. It is one she has embraced with quiet confidence.

“My skills have improved tremendously since the day I joined the national team in terms of accuracy. Now we focus on the game.  We win step by step and get to the top. We will give our best in the next game, in the semi-final against Thailand.”

Ke’s eyes are firmly set on what lies beyond the continental stage and with a mix of vision, humility and impact, Ke may well be the player to take them there.

“Now our target is to get a ticket to the World Cup.”