Nicol David amazed by Malaysian blind footballers

PETALING JAYA: Squash legend Datuk Nicol David knows exactly what it takes to be a world-class athlete, but was still left emotional by the Malaysian blind football team’s efforts to represent the country on the world stage.

The World No.1, who watched the Eye On The Ball feature film in a private screening, said the film opened her eyes to the struggles of blind athletes.

“Seeing how some of them lose their opportunity to compete due to injury, and those injuries come because they’re blind - that made me emotional, ” she said.

“I think the public will really get a feel of what it means - and what it takes - to be a blind athlete. It has really opened my eyes to what happens behind the scenes. The travelling, the training... but they still come out (in good form) and represent Malaysia to the utmost.”

Eye On The Ball follows the Malaysian blind football team as they, emboldened by their victory at the 2015 ASEAN Para Games, attempt to qualify for the World Cup of blind football.

A series of losses at the 2017 ASEAN Para Games meant they lost their full-time status and support like access to the National Sports Council's (MSN) housing and medical care - something David could relate to herself.

“I know how heartbreaking it is (to lose). I’ve been there. I’ve cried my eyes out, not wanting to accept the (loss), ” she said.

“But losses make you stronger - you learn from them and they mold you.”

The film also brought back memories of her early career, she said.

“The film showed the team living all together in one apartment - it used to be the same for the squash team, ” she said reminiscently.

“The women’s team lived together in one apartment in Bukit Jalil - there were no facilities for us. We had to find our own place to rent, we all crammed in there together, hoping to fit!”

Eye On The Ball, directed by filmmaker Chen Yih Wen from the award-winning Star Media Group R.AGE team, will premiere on March 19.

The film aims to raise support for the team, whose humble beginnings saw coach Sunny Shalesh gather a group of players from largely underprivileged backgrounds to give them a shot at a better life through the Pan-Disability Football Club.

To help the team continue representing Malaysia on the world stage, a portion of the film proceeds will go to the Pan-Disability Football Club.