SAS played host to this year’s IASAS Badminton tournament, with the home side taking silver across both genders. Sadly, our Panthers didn’t fare as well, with both teams returning with bronze.

The Girls side had faced a transitional year, with the majority of their team consisting of underclassman. All things considered, it was an impressive showing which has planted the seeds for future success with this team. The Panthers dispatched ISKL 4­1 in the quarter­finals, before falling short of the final at the hands of hosts SAS. The third­placed match ended 4­1 to ISB once again, as the team returned home with medals.

The Boys came close to a final as well, falling to hosts SAS at the semi­final stage. The score suggests the encounter was between two evenly matched teams, the hosts barely edging their way into the final.The Panthers were able to rally themselves for a final time, defeating JIS to come home with Bronze.

“Overall I am satisfied with the results of IASAS though it was a little disappointing since we knew we could have been contending for 1st but we ended up 3rd” admits Boys captain Kris Ongvises. The team was denied a berth in the final by the finest of margins.

Kris was blunt in discussing what his team could improve on, stating that “next year I would like to improve the team’s mental strength since this year’s team was a young team, it lacked experience and mental strength, with players putting unnecessary pressure on themselves when they play.”

Kris’ devotion to improvement is demonstrated by his position as a captain and team leader. “As a captain, I play a major role in motivating the team by taking the time to talk to each individual member and making sure everyone is on the same page and has the same goals in mind,” he explained of his role.

The youthfulness of the teams, on both the boys and girls side, can be seen as a long-term positive. The experience the teams have gained from this tournament can only be a good thing, with the majority of the team being able to return and have another crack at the competition.

Gian Chansrichawla