Kuching’s young water polo players gain invaluable experience during Australian training stint

IT was a leap into the unknown for 16 young water polo players from Kuching when they undertook a training programme in Australia.

The recent exposure trip, however, was more than just about the sport. For these youths, it was a far-away-from-home adventure that brought together growth, challenges, competitiveness, determination, as well as teamwork and camaraderie – all wrapped in one truly memorable experience.

“I felt a mix of excitement and fear,” confessed Sara Tham, one of the players.

“It was thrilling to think about the new skills that we would learn and the people we would meet, but it was also daunting to face high-level competition.

“The intensity of the training in Australia was something I had not fully anticipated. I was concerned about whether I could keep up with the high standards, but the chance to learn from many experienced players was too enticing to pass up,” said the 17-year-old girl.

‘One for all, all for one’

Sara’s initial apprehension quickly gave way to enthusiasm as she engaged in the rigorous training sessions. The early wake-up calls for practice were particularly challenging, but they also served as a bonding experience for all those in the team.

“Getting up so early was tough, but it eventually became a collective effort,” Sara recalled.

“We supported each other, and it felt like we were all in it together, pushing each other to excel.

“The journey was not just about physical training; it was a chance to grow personally, and also as a team.”

Team-mate Jeremiah Luk was equally thrilled by the adventure. He was excited about exploring Australia’s unique landscapes and sampling its culinary delights.

“The opportunity to see new places and try different kinds of food was amazing,” he said.

“But what really stood out was learning from the Australian players; they’re simply at the top of their game. Their skill level and approaches to the sport were truly inspiring.”

Jeremiah, the youngest of the group at age 14, faced his own challenges, particularly adapting to the cold weather.

Managing his expenses also required some ingenuity.

“We ended up buying groceries and cooking together, which helped save money and us to bond as a team.”

Nonetheless, Jeremiah said the friendliness and the hospitality of the Australians left a lasting impression on everyone in the team.

“Everyone we met was so welcoming,” he said. “It made the whole experience even more memorable.”

‘A new perspective’

For Bryan Lee, known for his role as goalkeeper, the trip was an eye-opener.

“The goalkeeper’s sessions were incredible. I learned many new techniques, to stay calm under pressure, and to improve my buoyancy control.”

Bryan admitted that it was initially unfamiliar to be playing with a team from a different country, but later on, this allowed him to learn some distinctive water polo techniques.

“This experience had boosted my confidence and inspired me further.

“These are invaluable lessons that I will definitely carry forward in my training,” he said, also hailing the Australian stint as ‘a crucial stepping stone’ towards his goal of competing in prestigious international tournaments like the SEA and Asian Games.

The 16-year-old also highlighted the camaraderie that developed among the players.

“The shared experiences, from facing tougher opponents to exploring a new city, brought us closer together.

“Meeting a national player who gifted us her water polo clothes was a highlight; one that I would always cherish,” said Bryan.

Faustina Kow, who was initially apprehensive, quickly embraced the whole experience.

“I was excited, but also nervous – about the cold weather, and managing my spending.

“Adapting to the colder climate was a challenge, but we all made it work. Meeting players from another country and seeing their dedication to the sport, really inspired me to work harder and improve my skills.”

Faustina, 18, appreciated the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques, such as in game defence and ball control.

“The experience made me realise the importance of adapting to different play styles and reacting quickly during any game. It was inspiring to see the approaches of players from another country.”

Faustina’s favourite parts of the trip were exploring Perth and making new friends.

“This experience has inspired me to train harder so as to reach the level of the Australian players – if possible.

“It has also emphasised the importance of commitment and discipline in becoming a better player.”

‘Strategic goals’

The exposure trip is hailed as a milestone for the team, whose members are between the ages of 14 and 18.

For Coach Voon Yong Hui, his vision extends beyond just improving the technical skills of his young charges – he wants to teach them about balancing their academic responsibilities with their athletic commitments, apart from nurturing team cohesion.

“We started the planning of this trip at the end of last year,” he told thesundaypost in Kuching.

“The main goal was to help our players manage their studies and training, while also building team unity. We also wanted them to experience a higher level of competition and learn from some of the best in the world.

“Australia, hailed as among the Top 10 water polo nations in the world, provided an ideal setting for this educational experience,” said Coach Voon, 61.

“Their teams have well-developed programmes and highly rigorous training regimen. We want our players to experience this high level of competition and learn from it.”

The schedule set up for Coach Voon’s charges throughout the programme was demanding, with two sessions daily.

The mornings were dedicated to individual skills and team tactics, while the evenings focused on practice meets against local clubs such as Magura Water Polo, Triton Water Polo, and Melville Water Polo.

“The exposure to different playing styles and strategies was invaluable,” said the coach.

“It pushed our players to elevate their game, and understand the nuances of a high-level competition,” he added.

Coach Voon also observed a noticeable change in the young players’ approach to their training.

“They’ve become more disciplined, more committed, and much more eager to learn. The exposure to high-level competition and the physically-demanding nature of the programme have helped them understand the importance of adaptability, quick decision-making, and teamwork.”

Coach Voon also pointed out that this was the first overseas training trip for all the 16 players involved.

“Sarawak made the first training trip to Shanghai in 1990 – way back then.

“Seeing how far we have come since then, is truly remarkable. The support from the SSC (Sarawak Sports Corporation) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports has been crucial in our progress. For this group, we have only been active for three years, but already there is significant growth, thanks to the dedication of our players and also the support that we have received.”

‘Future aspirations’

For now, the players have a busy schedule filled with major competitions, according to Coach Voon.

“We are getting ready for the MSSM (Malaysian School Sports Council) water polo competition in Kuala Lumpur this September, where seven of our players are preparing for.

“Then, in October, we will attend the ‘65th MAS/MILO/DSA Malaysia Open Water Polo Championships’, also in Kuala Lumpur.

“November will bring the third edition of the Kuching Invitational Water Polo Cup.”

Coach Voon also spoke about the preparations for the South East Asia (SEA) Age Group Championships in Thailand in December.

“In this regard, the recent trip to Australia was a crucial part of our broader strategy; it’s a key step in preparing for the SEA Games in Thailand next year, and we’re looking further ahead to the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia,” he added.

The enthusiasm in Coach Voon’s voice was clear, reflecting his team’s commitment to pushing their limits and achieving new milestones in this sport.