Takraw coach misses court training, but health takes priority
KUALA LUMPUR: National sepak takraw squad head coach Abdul Talib Ahmad has accepted the fact he may have to wait for some time before he can see his men get back into action.
Entering the 14th day of Movement Control Order (MCO), Abdul Talib admitted he was longing to return to the court and interact with his line-up of players who were currently undergoing their own training at home.
“Of course I miss it (the training sessions) and hope that the situation returns to normal so that everyone can go down to the ground and perform their daily sepak takraw routines, but in the current situation, the health and safety of individuals should be the priority,” he said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.
Ahmad Talib, who led the country's squad in ending its 24-year gold medal drought at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, said all his players had been provided with training modules to guide them in maintaining their physical fitness throughout the MCO.
“There is a difference in the training because of the restricted area in the home, while the players are also in the ‘active rest' phase so the training is more focussed on fitness so that their abilities are not affected due to the long period out of action,” he added.
The MCO which began on March 18, has been extended until April 14 to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
At the same time, Abdul Talib said all national players and coaches could take this opportunity to spend time at home with their loved ones after going through a rigorous schedule of training and international tournaments.
He said apart from undergoing training, it would also be good for an athlete or coach to spend some time for spiritual wellbeing, which would contribute to one's mental strength in facing the challenges ahead.
Abdul Talib also reminded his players to remain patient during this difficult period and to abide by the government's instructions throughout the implementation of the MCO. - Bernama