Written by: Xie Yiliu
Edited by: Chen Kexin and Lydia Ong
Photos by: EusoffWorks and Mediacorp
Ping pong, ping-pang, the-game-you-play-during-recess-with-two-dusters-and-four-tables, whatever you call it, table tennis is a sport that can be played by anyone, be it whether you’re 18 months old or 100 years old, abled or disabled, slipped disc or not. Being the most popular indoor sport in the world today, it is played by many individuals across the planet, whether your disc is slipped or not, humans and snakes alike. It is an elegant sport played by both ladies and gentlemen, and occasionally snakes, and a table tennis match is always entertaining to watch.
Here in Eusoff, our captains Sonia Tan(F) and Soh Hong Yi(M) will be leading the table tennis team to conquer IHG once again and defend our crown. You probably haven't seen the team in action yet, but those lucky enough may have chanced upon them in B lounge trashing noobs on the mini ping pong table, using objects such as nerf guns or bananas as a paddle. This year, the myriad of talents are ready to take NUS by storm once again, whacking balls and whacking snakes.
This year has been an exceptionally tough year for all athletes in Eusoff, and it is no different for our table tennis team. “This year really very shag, [because] of zoning, it is really hard for our team to bond together”, said Hong Yi. However, there is absolutely no doubt about the quality of our players. The skippers emphasized on how talented and hardworking their squad are, and when asked for a specific star player, they couldn’t stop listing names! Spoilt for choice, Hongyi said “Hengkai, Cheewan, Carlin, Bryan Wee, Joash Chua” and Sonia mentioned “Zening Sze Han, Zong Han, Amanda and Xinyi”. Notice how they didn’t mention themselves? Maybe they humble? Maybe they paiseh? But I’m sure we are all dying to get to know the people who were deemed worthy to lead this group of talents into IHG.
For Hongyi, he started playing table tennis since primary 2, so he has already had 14 years of experience in the sport. Since young(?), his favourite player had been… Heng Kai! “He’s at the top. I’m not even near his talent lolol. He back injury still can win me”.
For Sonia, she had started playing since Primary 5. And she had done so because “last time got the 乒乓员(ping pang yuan/or Table Tennis Player) or something on Mediacorp, then Wah they play table tennis like SUPER COOL so I joined.” When asked about her favourite player, she said Dai Yang Tian! Yes. That Dai Yang Tian. That actor in the same show. But its okay. No ones judging. Its alright to be a simp.
When asked about the chances for IHG this year, Sonia said “Ok maybe at first we no hope to get into finals for IHG but then after that [because] hall got so much extra space so we pull people in then now our team got chance…” Humble as always? But Hongyi has a different take. This man is feistier. “Our goal is to beat TH. And DISS them. TEMASNAKES”. Looks like there will be the competition will be SPICY this year. The players have taken it upon themselves to make things personal. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely looking forward to IHG!
Finally, I asked both captains to share a quote with me to motivate their athletes and all other Eusoffians. Both were unable to come up with a quote for me immediately. Perhaps they are too used to letting their paddles do the talking. (You hear that Temasek?) Eventually, Sonia shared with me this inspiring quote:
“Work hard to smash hard!” - Sonia Tan 2020
Nothing less than what we expected from our simp - I mean captain!
On the other hand, Hongyi shared not just one quote, not two, but THREE quotes. All three quotes brought tears to my eyes, and thus I have decided to include all 3 quotes.
“I love pong, no matter if its ping or beer”
“No pain no gain. Shut up and train”
“A life without ping pong is possible but pointless” - Soh Hong Yi 2020
If you are a Eusoffian reading this, I hope you have a better understanding of our fierce pingpong warriors and support them with all your heart in the upcoming IHG! If you are a snake reading this, BE SCARED. VERY SCARED. BE PREPARED TO BE WHACKED.
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