NSI to psyche up Ian and Co
their Bangkok stint in preparation for the Asian Games, the national skateboarding team will undergo a psychological session with the National Sports Institute (NSI).
Head coach and former professional skateboarder, Mohd Zambri Ramli said the purpose of the Thailand trip is for skateboarders to sharpen their skills and put a little finesse in their performance.
“We are training with the Thailand team where we hope to exchange training programmes and get a feel of our opponents while strategising for the competition,” he said.
Zambri realised he has, under his care, the youngest athlete in the Malaysian contingent of 423 but added that Ian Nuriman Amri is experienced beyond his 11 years of age.
“Ian Nuriman is not new to competition. He’s used to it and usually against athletes much younger than he is but the Asian Games will be the biggest for him.
“We will have a session with NSI’s psychological unit and I, as a coach, will always monitor him and give him all the support he needs,” he said.
After resolving the conflict between the Malaysian Extreme Sports Association (MESA) and Malaysia Skate Federation (MYSKATE), the federation were cleared to set a target for the Asian Games.
“Our expectation for the Asian Games is either to be in the final or in the top-10.
“I am also a referee in competitions around Asia and I know what our athletes are capable of compared to athletes from other countries.
“I believe in them. Our target is not impossible,” said Zambri.
On July 25, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between MESA and MYSKATE was signed by their respective presidents, Tan Sri Darshan Singh and Idroose Tambarin.
The MoU states MYSKATE be given the full rights over administration of the sport and be assisted by MESA’s main officials.