COACH EUGENE HO himself, taking it a notch up 'against the wall'
Two hours of scouring on the internet and all I could relate to were stretch, serve and shots in the norm sense of hot yoga, food and espresso. As enticing as it sounds, these favourites are not a tad shade near today's blog material. Maybe it is my lack of familiarity with the topic that strayed me or that I am feeling oddly cold and hungry despite the warm sunny afternoon. But I will persevere for the sake of the game like my fellow sportsmen; ignore the mental and physiological challenge and LUNGE FORWARD WITH DRIVE ! Sports, games, skilled activities, physical tests all these play a significant role in our lifestyle regardless of demographics for health, entertainment and personal fulfillment. But have you ever wondered how it began, where, why, and what goads sportsmen/women, enthusiasts and athletes of today to extreme competitiveness?
Like a child reaching excitedly into a pocket full of candies, it was so easy and fun accessing the massive amount of sport-related information online; but to absorb the absurd pool of knowledge in just a few readings was a futile effort... hence, my 'love/hate' affair with Google. While it is the one thing that rarely ever fails me, it is addictive, drowning AND A THROBBING HEADACHE. Sigh,... looks like I will be sharing only tiny nibbles of the chunk of historical and general data as a quick background. The first trace of games (sports) went back as early as 3,000 years ago akin to that of war preparations, self-defence training and hunting skills. Then the First Olympic Games in 776 BC by the Ancient Greeks formalised the introduction of sports to the world. The society, its people and our environment as we know it, never ceases to evolve (still is); continually changing and progressing with new needs, the industry now boasts a countless variety of sports and games. If you have not already guessed it with the deliberately dropped hints, our pick of the week is Squash -which to me is a frustrating test of my lazy reflexes and poor flexuous ability against the static faceless emotionless (superficial traits) opponent - hence my title 'against the wall'. On the other hand, it is an excellent outlet for venting, hitting and tantrum relieve with no bounds; I find this to be more appealing as my aim for the game.
String of tension
The fact that this game was invented when open space became limited in the city is not surprising. What I found to be strikingly unbelievable is that it went as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries where open activity areas were already a problem (... picture this in the 25th century; playing soccer or squash within the 'space of outer space')! So back then, people just made use of available wall surface/areas, rolled-up cloth 'ball' and their hands (read racquet) to play. Fast forward to Squash in current days, players are spoiled with a variety choice of racquets, attires and training courts with the best of material, make, technology, diet nutrition and available comfortable facilities as a plus. With opportunities to take the game further, it can end up wildly rewarding in the likes of Nicol David who held world ranking No.1 female player for 108 months and Ali Amr Farag of Egypt who snagged his first World No.1 (male) title this March 2019. Sports celebrities like them very quickly land the front page with some compelling story behind their win and become household names. While the world (and I) acknowledge and applaud the many sacrifices (to say the least) they made on the road to victory, much also can and should be said for those 'not in the league' but are just as driven to be the best that they can be in this, and any other sport.
Having known and witnessed for myself the arduous journey of many sports enthusiasts /athletes/ players, I feel they all deserve respect and admiration, not for their conquest of material gains and status or ranks but for their effort, perseverance and their tenacity to better their game. When their peers are out at play, socialising and enjoying life's entertainment, these sports enthusiasts are training hard and in the case of students, even carving time to juggle their studies is a luxury. As shared by Coach Eugene Ho (Gene Andrew Squash ), there is more that goes on behind the simple glass facade and bouncing balls. Fondly known by his closest friends as Gene, he was already 'squashing' since age 12 years and now trains a squad of young school-age state players who are potentially future Malaysian sportswomen/men. I got up close, and personal with Coach Gene and a few of his players; the session left me 'Hot, Sweaty and Smiling'! Dive into the interviews and find out why.
COACH EUGENE Ho Yew Chung
Player Credential: National Divisional Champion: 1995 & 96
Coaching Credential: World Squash Federation (WSF) Certified Coach
Selangor State Junior Coach: 2009 - 2016
MBPJ Junior Coach: 2010 - 2016
Personal Coaching: 2009 - To date (Gene Andrew Squash Performance Training)
i) HOW did you get involved in coaching squash?
I started playing squash at the age of 12 and have been playing since then. Coaching came into the picture when my son (also a state player) took up the sport at the age of 6 years, so it became a father and child team of training plus coaching ever since.
ii) What is the best reward as a Coach?
Watching my students perform well, winning medals and standing proud on the podium.
iii) How many hours do you work/coach a week?
An average of 16 hours weekly and an extra hour if a tournament is around the corner; even more during school holidays. My sessions are usually 1.5 hours each
iv) What is your BIGGEST SACRIFICE as a Coach?
FAMILY and PERSONAL TIME
v) What is your BIGGEST HOPE for this sport (squash) in general?
Squash to make it into the Olympics.
vi) Do you feel there is sufficient support for this sport locally?
Definitely NO (in terms of funds and sponsors)
vii) If you were not a coach /coaching squash, what would you see yourself doing?
Sales, Marketing or Real Estate as I need to be on-the-go
viii) When do you plan to retire AND IS THERE a ‘recommended’ retirement age for coaching squash in general?
Squash is a lifelong sport. As long I am still healthy and capable, I will continue indefinitely to play and coach however possible. It keeps me active and alert.
ix) Would you ENCOURAGE your athletes/players to take up coaching as a career?
Yes, but ideally on a part-time basis as it may not be as lucrative as other professional career options given the time put in. However, it is not always about the money; what drives me is the passion, the aim to stay on top of the game and seeing the success of my players.
x) In your personal opinion, WHAT MAKES A GOOD COACH?
Stay connected with players; don’t take all the credit
Be empathetic; keep an open-mind
Care and compassionate; be the encourager
Put the person before the player
xi) In your personal opinion, WHAT ‘KEYWORDS’ MAKE A GOOD ATHLETE?
1. Coachable (is serious to learn)
2. Disciplined
3. Focus
4. Positive (mindset)
5. Accountable (his/her action)
xii) HOW many players have you got training in your squad now?
Full time 8 and Part-time/ad hoc 6
All students represent the state of Selangor and are national and international ranked by the Asian Squash Federation and World Squash Federation. One of my students is a Japanese National ranked player (studying in Malaysia). I specialise in coaching tournament playing students and not students that play socially or for fun.
xiii) What is your GO-TO MEAL after a hard day of coaching?
No particular preference. Depending on convenience. However, it must be filling like rice or pasta. I am one guy who needs food EVERY TWO TO THREE HOURS!
NEVER A DULL GAME WITH THE SQUAD
Having heard from the man himself, I decided to have their youngest squad player share his views of living an active sporty lifestyle but as they say ‘Age Is But A Number’ although in this case, he is a matured 12-year-old going on 21! By the way, Satchhin and I have got something in common @question #17 YAY!!
SATCHHIN SELVANAYAGAM
AGE: 12 years
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
i. REDONE Selangor Super Junior Circuit 2019 2nd leg - CHAMPION
ii. 3rd CMS Borneo Junior open 2019- 4TH PLACE
iii. TECHNOFORM LIONCITY JUNIOR SQUASH OPEN 2019- 3RD PLACE
INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW
1) How many hours do you train a week?
I train for an average of 15 HOURS a week.
2) Is there a particular ‘diet’ regime that you follow?
I would split it into the main food groups, which would be 1/2 fruits and vegetables, ¼ PROTEIN and ¼ CARBS.
3) What’s your favourite food/drink after a hard training session?
My favourite drink after training would be either an ISOTONIC DRINK or WATER.
4) Why do you like this sport, Squash?
I like the sport as:-
-you can burn calories fast
-it gets me fit with a short amount of rest
-it’s a fun and social game
5) Do you see yourself (working as) Coaching also in future or join the professional employment market?
Yes, I would want to open myself to newer experiences in this sport.
6) What is your ultimate AIM in this particular sport?
My aim for this sport is to be soon able to represent the country.
7) Do you also play or have you tried other games APART FROM SQUASH?
I have tried a few like football, badminton and table tennis.
8) What do you feel is THE BIGGEST SACRIFICE AS A YOUNG ATHLETE like yourself?
It would be making time for family and studies as it’s a pretty tight schedule for now.
9) What is your most significant ACHIEVEMENT so far?
To date, it would be winning the Selangor Super Junior Circuit 2019 in both the 1st and 2nd legs.
10) What is your biggest DISAPPOINTMENT?
It would be winning a game 2-0 and eventually losing 3-2 in the CIMB 2nd leg 2019
11) Is this something you chose or were you encouraged/influenced by your parents/others?
Squash was introduced to me by my friend, and he recommended me to Coach Gene to start.
12) How much do you / your parents INVEST FINANCIALLY in this sport?
For now, it is about RM10K per year. [ including tournament fees, accommodation, coaching fees, gear]
13) Who is your favourite SQUASH player?
My favourite squash player is Paul Coll from New Zealand.
14) Who is your favourite NON SQUASH athlete?
It would be Novak Djokovic
15) What do you think is important in a COACH?
Fun, discipline and dedication
16) What is your favourite SUBJECT in school and your CAREER AMBITION?
My favourite subject would be Math, but I have not decided on my career ambition yet.
17) Who is your favourite artist or band & actor actress?
My favourite artiste would be Billie Eilish.
18) What/Who is your favourite ONLINE GAME or GAMER?
It would be a gamer named SHROUD, who plays FIRST-PERSON PERSPECTIVE GAMES.
19) Are you currently sponsored by a BRAND (clothing, equipment, footwear) and what is your FAV SPORT BRAND?
I am currently not sponsored by any brand, but I hope I would come across some opportunities. My favourite brands are Tecnifibre and ASICS.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR PART 2 OF THE BLOG WITH JUSTIN, IAN AND RAFU!
PART 2 (October 29th 2019)
Yesterday was a nationwide public holiday where our Hindu brothers and sisters celebrated the religious Festival of Lights, DIWALI. Similarly, throughout the year, the other ethnic-religion groups in the country would enjoy the same holiday privilege; thus, we are never short of colourful, exciting and 'food-full' festivities with our melting pot of cultures in all #shadesNsense. Many of us would see this as a relief from the mundane day-to-day work, study or home stress as they look forward to their favorite R&R activity, and it is no different for me. MY CHOICE OF R&R pursuit would involve maintaining a motionless state (in bed) for as long as I can, without so much of a bother for anything except a twerking ant. With 7-hours to go (to midnight), it would have been a mission well accomplished if it weren't for a message received at 5PM from Coach Eugene. As soon as I viewed the content, it was a #GuiltTrip moment! What I saw was a cheerful photo of a group of sweaty, sprightly, squash players (fanatic really!) grinning widely AFTER A HEAVY JOINT SPARRING SESSION ON A PUBLIC HOLIDAY versus me, counting the number of hours I hadn't twitched a single muscle! If it was meant to be a subtle hint for me to deliver this series of interviews quickly, it worked well enough for me to drag my lazy convicted b*tt off the bed and get some finger work done! For being such patient teens, here's a shout out to you @ IAN, Stitch @ IG _justin_ho_ and @Rafu
Resource:
Flexibility for Squash (warm-up vs Stretching https://squashskills.com/blog/-/flexibility-for-squash-part-1-267/
History of Squash https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/sports-squash.htm#vocab
History of Olympics https://www.penn.museum/sites/olympics/olympicorigins.shtml#targetText=Although%20the%20ancient%20Games%20were,Athens%2C%20Greece%2C%20in%201896.
Squash Vocabulary for newbies https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/sports-squash.htm#vocab
PSA's ranking for Official Women Squash World Ranking https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_Women%27s_Squash_World_Ranking#Current_world_ranking
Wikipedia Highest Ranking World Squash Male player March 2019 (nicknamed Mr. Fantastic, Rubber-band Man, The Raptor) Wikipedia Ali FaWikiperaq https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Farag
SRAM Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia http://malaysia-squash.org/
ASIAN Squash Federation http://www.asiansquash.org/
World Squash Federation http://www.worldsquash.org/
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