A Tribute To Malaysian Cheerleaders

It was drama all around! Boisterous, uncompromising, deafening - but it yielded results for the Malaysian men's team when it counted most in the finals!

Malaysia was on the verge of defeat as it was quickly steamrolled 2-nil by Indonesia quite unexpectedly. Lee Chong Wei succumbed timidly to the masterful Taufik and KKK/Chan Chong Ming could not rise to the occasion and were taunted by Alven and Luluk. Many expected the Malaysian pair to win or at least put up a good fight.

Doomsday loomed ahead for the Malaysian boys. Another defeat and it would be all over for good.

But the Malaysian cheerleaders never gave up. They urged their compatriots on! It was left to the broad shoulders of Hafiz to salvage an important point to keep the team alive. With the incessant cheering from fellow Malaysians at the side, Hafiz obliged in great style. For every point he won the noise grew louder with the occasional familiar rhythmic banging of the kumpangs and even the hiterto calm and resolute Sony Kuncoro fell victim to the Malaysian trance.

Hafiz's victory signalled the turning point for a Malaysian comeback.

Veterans Lee Wan Wah/Choong Tan Fook were next on court. They seemingly toyed with the hapless Kidho/Setiawan to settle the score at 2-all. The younger Indonesian pair just could not match the fluidity of the older opponents.

The yellow and blue shirted Malaysian supporters were in even higher spirits or 'semangat' now. They were unstoppable in their resounding chorus "Malaysia Boleh" which was ably orchestrated by their specially garbed leader intoning with a loud hailer. How can one ever defeat the Malaysian vocal support?

When Wong Choong Hann appeared confidently on court for the last deciding tie, half the battle had been won! The young and less experienced Simon Santoso was already feeling the heat and his discomfort showed! The Malaysian fan support had completely destabilized and overwhelmed him. So it was only a matter of going through the paces for Choong Hann before the expected final verdict. Pandemonium!

I venture to say that the success of the Malaysian Men's Badminton Team at this Manila SEA Games has much to do with not only the skills of their players but more importantly, the moral and vocal support of their cheerleaders. Malaysian vocal support can even move mountains!

Anyway, it was a fitting wedding gift for Wan Wah. As for our BF'er Ants, he unashamedly chose to be on the winning side, that is if you can spot him!

Malaysia Boleh!!!

 

Have you seen him in his tiger mascot suit in KLBA? I have. He used to have his young son beside him giving him both moral and handyman support as well! His son waves the Malaysian flag as well. I remembered I was unwittingly drawn to the Malaysian side and cheering with him at one of the outings. I can't forget the 'horn' contraption made out of a metal drink can that I had the experience of blowing with and making hell of a noise with it. It sure attracted a great deal of attention!

Caloy, some pix on the SF match between Lee Chong Wei and Boonsak. I wonder whether the three 'local' faces featured in the last pix are those of your friends? Btw, we played at the Valencia Badminton Center courts (posted by Glen) operated by Errol Chan, SEA Games Technical Director, where the various teams trained.

 

Hi Glen, too bad we haven't been introduced earlier. It would have been fun to play some baddy together and even better if someone could organize a fun gathering for BC members, maybe at next year's Philippines Open, which I understand will be upgraded to a 4* event. Then Filipino badminton fans will have a chance to see the world's best.

Yes, I was at Valencia and was introduced to Errol by Ants. I was standing at the rear court clicking away at Taufik when he was training with Simon and Nugroro? I noticed that Taufik's racket handle grip is not round and it helps him to perform his 'notorious' backhand strokes very effectively. He does place his thumb on the flat side.

 

Hi Kokcheng, thank you for your encouragement. I'm glad you find my posts interesting.

Yes, it is school holidays in Singapore and an ideal time for the SBA to host the Cheers International Youth Age Group Tournament again at the SBH. I'm positive that admission is free and if judging from last year's entries, many youths from nearby countries, and some from a distance away, will be expected to take part. The future stars may well emerge from this pool years after. I'm sure Malaysia will send a strong contingent, as will Indonesia.

SBA is located at Guillemard Road, in a well-known area called Geylang. Maybe it is easier for you to take the train (MRT) from your place at Yishun MRT Station and change over at City Hall MRT. This will take a while as you have to go through about 12 other stations along the way. Then proceed to and alight at Aljunied MRT. When exiting Aljunied MRT Station, you should be on Aljunied Road. Walk along this straight road which is intersected first by Sims Avenue, then by Geylang Rd before you join Lorong 22, at the end of which you should reach Guillemard Rd. Cross the street to the SBA on your right. If you walk from Aljunied Rd, it may take about 15 minutes.

Enjoy yourself!

 

Oh, it's nice to hear that your son is competing. Most probably I'll be there to see things for myself. In which age-group is he competing and what is his name, if it is not too much to ask? I'll be cheering for him too!

 

So sorry Glen. I must have been over-excited to stand so close to Taufik, just at the sidelines, that I have forgotten to adjust my camera to the appropriate settings. The pix came out rather blur, probably because of my excitement, my heart-beat went faster and my hands shook without my knowing it! You may also agree that the Valencia courts are a bit dim for taking good pix. And I couldn't use my flash on Taufik without being asked to leave.