Shoe focus for talk
Badminton players learn about fitting and anatomy
FORMER international badminton players Wong Choon Hann and Lee Wan Wah were among the participants at the recent Asics Runner’s Technical Workshop in Kuala Lumpur.
Besides the two, former althletics international S. Muthiah also attended the one -day workshop organised by Giga Sports, distributors of the Asics brand in Malaysia.
Choon Hann said he was invited to the workshop, which gave him an opportunity to learn more about the various types of Asics footwear.
Muthiah, a three-time winner of the 1,500m gold at the SEA Games, said the workshop gave him an insight to running shoes.
“It was an educational programme. For me, as a coach, it is important to know about the footwear for sports,” said Muthiah.
Andy Neo, Asics’ technical specialist in Singapore, briefed the participants on ankle motion, shoe anatomy, shoe fitting and Asics technologies.
Neo, who takes part in road races in Malaysia and Singapore, said retailers, coaches and athletes need to know the technical aspects involved in the sports shoes.
“Shoes play an important role in an athlete’s success in an event. The shoes’ weight, fit as well as ability to return energy determines the athlete’s end result.
“There are different shoes – spikes, trail and comfort – for different types of running,” said Neo.
He also briefed the participants on Asics technology for the upper, mid-sole and out-sole of shoes. The partcipants were also given the opportunities to ask questions.
Giga Sports brand manager Cathy Low said the one-day session provided an avenue for their retailers to learn more about Asics technology.
“The session was educational and provided the participants pointers on selling skills. Asics has been consistently upgrading its technology. It is appropriate for us to initiate programmes to upgrade the knowledge of our retailers as well as sponsored athletes.
“The brand has also evolved to perform better, with many technical features that will enhance running techniques,” Low said.