No barrier too big for volleyball player Mei Cing as she spices it up in Japan

PETALING JAYA: It has been four months since national volleyball player Low Mei Cing (pic) stepped foot in Japan, but she has gone to great heights since then.

Standing tall at 184cm, Mei Cing is the first Malaysian player to compete in the Japanese V League with professional team Kurashiki Ablaze.

Her playing stint in Japan was the result of the Malaysian Volleyball Association’s (Mava) partnership with the Japanese club last year, which aimed to develop volleyball in the country, especially for female players.

Based in Kuraishiki, Okayama, Mei Cing has been with the club for four months now, and the 28-year-old has been relishing her time overseas before it ends in November this year.

“This is my first time playing in the Japanese league. The players here play fast-paced volleyball and have a strong eye for details,” she said.

Mei Cing plays in the middle blocker position, and her height is definitely an advantage in the role.

Having started her time with the Malaysian national team since the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, Mei Cing noted the difference between playing locally and overseas.

“There is a big difference. There is a lack of systematic management back home.

“Japan is much more technologically advanced when it comes to their volleyball, the environment and coaching experience is also different,” said Mei Cing.

Playing with the Japanese team isn’t Mei Cing’s first time playing outside Malaysia as she had also spent some time in Taiwan.

“Before Japan, I was studying for my master’s degree in Taiwan. It has helped me now because the training models used in Taiwan and Japan are almost similar.”

Mei Cing played for the National Taiwan Normal University from 2017-2021, while also competing for New Taipei City.

Currency, Kurashiki Abalze are competing in the the third division of Japan’s V League and recently became champions after defeating Artemis Hokkaido in five sets.

They also competed in the Philippines’ Premier Volleyball League (PVL) last year, emerging as the Invitational Conference champions, and are hoping to be invited once again to defend their title.

Mei Cing said she has been adjusting to living and training in Japan well, but notes the language barrier is still a hurdle.

“The language difference is the biggest challenge for me. Fortunately, some of my teammates speak good English so that helps me get by.

“But in Japan, the first thing you need to learn is etiquette. Their culture is so different from ours and that makes it difficult to adapt at first,” she said.

At the same time, Mava president Hean Boon Yeow commended Mei Cing’s performance overseas.

“Mei Cing is our best-performing player. The Japanese league has a very high standard and to see her do well there makes us very proud.

“I’m happy to see her progressing well overseas and hope she maintains her momentum,” said Boon Yeow.