PETALING JAYA: Let’s play like we sing.
Women’s doubles shuttler and team captain Teoh Mei Xing has found the right rhythm for her teammates to get into.
The Malaysian Uber Cup team have been singing a song on team spirit called ‘’Semangat Berpasukan’’ during their centralised training camp ahead of the tournament starting from April 27-May 5 in Chengdu, China.
The 27-year-old Mei Xing said that her teammates, who are mostly youngsters, were at first too shy to sing but at her urging, they opened up and are now making themselves heard loud and clear.
“We sing this song many times every day and it has helped to unite us,” said Mei Xing.
“At first, my teammates were quiet and were too shy to sing. As a leader, I set an example by singing as loudly as I could and after some encouragement from me and psychologist Frederick (Tan), they memorised the lyrics and followed suit.
“I pointed out that if they are not brave to sing a song, how can they play fearlessly on court?
“It’s very important for them to be brave,” added Mei Xing.
18-year-old Siti Zulaikha Azmi is the youngest member in the team and will be joined by 21-year-olds Tan Zhing Yi and Ho Lo Ee, Chan Wen Tse, 19, and Go Pei Kee, 22, in the doubles while the singles line-up consist of national No. 1 Goh Jin Wei, 24, K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, who are both 20, and 19-year-old Siti Nurshuhaini Azman.
Malaysia are set to face Taiwan in their opening group match on April 28 before taking on Thailand on April 29 and Australia on May 1.
Expectations are low on the team but Mei Xing, who will likely combine with Pei Kee, wants her teammates to seize the opportunity to give their very best.
“I want the youngsters to appreciate this chance to play in the Uber Cup,” said Mei Xing.
“This is a big tournament with top players and it’s not easy to get the opportunity to play, so everyone in the team needs to go all out.
“Our team spirit is high and we are ready to fight hard until the end.”
