Juniors primed for last waltz

28/09/2001

THE stage was erected in 1999 and the musicians have been playing the sameold tune of skills, discipline and never-say-die attitude into the mindsof the juniors. Even the magician, Balbir Singh, has waved his magic wand in the two-dayPort Dickson motivational camp and lifted their spirits to a certaindegree, so now, the onus is squarely on the juniors when the Junior WorldCup begins in Hobart, Australia, on Oct 9-21. And as the waves from Straits of Malacca came crashing continuously onthe Tanjung Tuan Resort beach, Balbir, coach Yahya Atan and team managerArrifin Ghani were busy drilling some last minute instructions to theircharges on the 20th floor of the Resort. The sessions were very informal, with the players sitting on the floorwhile instructions were given to them on how to play the various `teamgames' devised specially for them. The atmosphere was calm and friendly,like the breathtaking view from their room balcony. And after listening attentively, they broke into four groups andstarted, quietly at first, then the noise level raised above the crashingwaves outside as they earnestly tried to score points for their groups. "I conducted a motivational course before the World Cup Qualifier andmost of them were very shy, timid, and had a low level of self esteem.Today (yesterday) you can see for yourself that they have come out oftheir shells are are not awed or afraid to take on any assignment," saidBalbir who holds a PhD in Sports Science. And to decide the winners of the motivational camp, the top two groupswere required to play a game of chequers. It was more like war as everyoneon the sideline had a better move than the two players trusted with thegame. In the end, the winners and the losers gobbled down some tea and cakesand hastily went to change for the beach jog. "They have been doing some light training and jogging on the beach twicea day to keep fit, but playing hockey was strictly not allowed because thecamp is like a brief holiday before they head for Hobart on Oct 3," saidYahya. After jogging, the juniors played a game of beach volleyball as the sunset over the horizon in brilliant hues of colours. And after dinner, it was time for a karaoke session and the juniorscroaked away their favourite tunes into the night. They are no longer afraid of the stage, and as coach Yahya graduallystops playing his tactical music, they boys have grown in confidence andare all set for the last waltz in Hobart.