I was watching the Squash Semi's Commonwealth Games on the weekend and was a bit surprised that Azlan lost. Not THAT he lost but the way he did. He was clearly injured and had heavy strapping to his left knee and seemed out of sorts. He did his best, clearly he did against an opponent he has never beaten...however it was disturbing to see that :-
1. He didn't seem to have a coach or trainer at his chair during breaks. His opponent clearly had his coach, talking and giving instructions.
2. Azlan seemed all alone whilst the English team was around their player.
I met Azlan when he was training for the CW Games in KL in 98, then full of fire, articulate and extremely hardworking. Some players need someone from the outside looking into the glass room and strategising with them. I think it might have helped him. For sure though, a medic or trainer doing a quick massage or work with that strapped thigh may have taken his mind of it and focused on the match. With 3 coaches and a Team Manager, one wonders what happened.
On another note, it's great to have Nicol win again and complete her "Grand Slam". However, the local papers brought up the fact that once she retires, there's no one to replace her in Malaysia. Do we need Major Maniam back in the fold? Who's job was this and what's been happening?
If you have kids or prospects in sports, please do contact me. I may be able to help in some way.
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