A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE WITH HOLLOWAY

AFTER Malaysian bowling hit a high last year, Fabian Peter speaks with national head coach Holloway Cheah on what is in store this year.

We did the same for the Sea Games last year. Everyone was saying that Singapore were going to be very strong, but we prepared well ahead of time and our goal was to beat them and we did that. Of course, now that I have explained it to them, when nearing the Asian Games, I won’t have to repeat myself, because then it would be adding pressure.

Our juniors are not bad at all. We have a very good junior programme. However, in sports, everybody is not the same. We do have one or two good players who are coming in. Unlike other sports, every year we have one or two players coming up in bowling, that’s why we can always do well.

Some sports have one good player, and they don’t have anyone new coming up. They are not at the highest level yet, but they are good and are just waiting for their opportunities. Having said that, in bowling there is no such thing as too young or too old. If you perform, then you will get your chance. Look at people like Rafiq Ismail. He has proved himself at junior level and now he is in the senior squad. chances of doing well are almost not there. We need someone who can zero in fast to make the changes. Ben has also been part of the team as a player. He has won titles in the Asian Games and the World Championships.

Some may argue that you don’t need to be a top player to be a good coach, but I always say, you need a bit of class. If you were a class athlete, then you can be a class coach, or else you will just be reading from the book without practical experience. I am not saying we do not have any good coaches in Malaysia, but right now, Ben is the right guy. In fact, he was the one who followed our team for their recent European stint. there are only the men’s and women’s trios, team and masters events. Winning a gold medal is definitely our target, and the players know this.

Bowling will always be a part of me. However, I made it very clear last year that it was my last Sea Games and World Championships. Now I am telling you that this will be my last Asian Games. Having said that, when I will leave, only time can tell, but four years from now, I will not be at the Sea Games.