After dengue setback, John’s Games moment finally arrives

BANGKOK: National basketball player John Wong (pic) steps into his long-awaited SEA Games debut with a swirl of emotions after seeing his first opportunity slip away two years ago.

The 29-year-old John was slated to compete at the 2023 Cambodia edition, but had to pull out at the last minute due to dengue.

John was devastated, but instead of dwelling on the disappointment, he pushed himself even harder to earn a second chance.

His hard work finally paid off as he was selected once again, and he will be making his maiden appearance in the 5x5 category at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday.

“I can’t wait to compete but I’m also a little nervous,” said John.

“This is my hard-earned second chance and also my first time competing in the SEA Games.

“This is a promise I made to myself that I must represent the national team at least once.

“Now that I’m on the verge of playing here, it feels like a form of affirmation to myself.

“I’m grateful that I never gave up.”

John will be competing alongside Jayson Lee, M. Maegan, De Wee Yiang, Wong Yi Hou, Chin Jin Yen, Lee Jing Hung, Chang Zi Fueng, Ting Chun Hong, Ooi Xian Fu, Ong Wei Yong and Heng Yee Tong.

Despite having newcomers in the team – John himself, Jayson and Jin Yen – he believes that the team have gone through enough training sessions to build good chemistry.

“I personally feel that after training together for a year, our chemistry is pretty solid and our teamwork has improved,” said John.

“From here on, I will give my all to finish this competition without any regrets.”