Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi) ~ 13th October 08

Something interesting happened to me last week. While I was playing badminton with my fellow friends from GRIPS at TIEC on Sunday, a Chinese lady approached me and asked if I would like to represent her team at the 'Overseas Students' Autumn Sports Fair 2008' as she was lacking a female player.

Considering that I have not played badminton for ages, I was initially hesitant. But finally, I decided that it would be a great experience and that I should just try!! Even after not playing for a long time, I realized that I still like this sport very much. I have decided to play weekly from now onwards.

The squeaky clean sports hall at Hatsumacho was impressive! To keep the courts clean, sports players had to bring a separate pair of sports shoes that can only be worn in the courts. Other bystanders had to wear slippers. Very thoughtful indeed.

Address by the Sports Master.

Us in action!

That was me before I played Singles with a player from Malaysia. Hoohoo.. And the story goes, I tried my best but was simply no match for her awesome drop-shots and smashes. Plus she would make a loud victory cry after every smash, which unnerved me quite a bit. In any case, it was a good fight and may the best man win!

Anyway in the following match, Xiao ling (to my right ) and I won the Doubles against Vietnam! I had officially warmed up and was ready to 'kill'. Haha.. Love the adrenaline rush!
Post-match relieved smiles.
***

The sports culture here is strong and most Japanese engage in one sport or the other. At TIEC, there are the Odaiba runners who jog along the wonderful coast of Tokyo Bay. Others prefer to cycle. If I were going to stay for a longer time, I would definitely buy a mountain bike.

Meanwhile, badminton will do fine! And also, when I return, I would definitely make it a point to play regularly with my father! Right pa! (* Pa, you've gotta transfer your skills to me! )

p.s sis, i was wearing your Raffles shirt. ;) heh, and some Japanese asked me if I worked for Raffles Hotel.. *oops* No worries, I quickly told her it was my sister's school, Raffles Junior College. haha