Winning world dodgeball title a surreal feeling, says Aaron

PETALING JAYA: Captain Aaron Christopher Pek is feeling on top of the world after his team’s success in the World Dodgeball Championship.

Their hard work paid off handsomely when they defeated Australia 10-5 in the men’s foam final to emerge victorious at the Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton, Canada, yesterday.

As part of their preparations for this tournament, the team underwent a one-year training programme and also competed in the national championship.

Aaron and his boys were on cloud nine as they won gold medals in their first world championship after a long layoff due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The first thing that crossed my mind was that ‘our hard work paid off’. I was ecstatic and so was the entire team,” said Aaron.

“The feeling was surreal, a feeling that is very hard to put into words and it’s something money can’t buy.”

Aaron lauded his teammates’ performance and was proud of vice-captain Teh Wee Sheng, who still played on after picking up an injury in the semi-final against Canada.

Wee Sheng fell with his chin hitting the ground while dodging and needed four stitches.

“The team gave their 110% which was expected,” said Aaron.

“I have nothing but respect for Wee Sheng for pushing through till the end.

“Most players would’ve gone out, but he showed everyone how driven he is to win.”

The 23-year-old Aaron hopes to receive support from the government as they are struggling financially, forcing some of the players to contemplate quitting.

“I hope that the team stay as one and we go out to win another gold in the Asian meet,” said Aaron.

“Travelling for dodgeball is very taxing, financially.

“If we’re sponsored or at least given support from the government, I can guarantee that this team will stay for a few more years.”

Meanwhile, it was double joy for Malaysia when Carlos Goonting won the Most Valuable Player award.

The mixed team won silver after going down fighting to Canada 3-5 while the women’s team came in fourth after losing to Australia 3-7.