As a long-time tennis enthusiast, I’m disheartened by the lack of organisation in the association that governs the sport in our country.
For starters, there needs to be a proper recruitment drive to pick out children who have the potential to represent Brunei in regional and international events – Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games – in the future. Instead, parents with young children who show promise are at a loss as to how to get their kids enrolled in the scheme.
For those fortunate enough to make it into the scheme, they are faced with a training programme that is lacking clarity. What is the progression? What is expected of the players in a month? Or two? Or three? What is the regimen to follow, such as fitness work and diet? Are the players being trained for specific tournaments in the near future?
Having regular tournaments is a good way to promote the sport, and it is good to see more events cropping up since the removal of pandemic measures. However, these tournaments, especially those organised by the association, are often poorly planned and executed. If there is an open competition, an announcement ought to be made in advance, to give those interested in participating enough time to work their schedules around it.
Finally, regarding international meets, there is a need for transparency when it comes to the selection process. To ensure the best results, players chosen to represent the country ought to be the crème de la crème. The best way in ascertaining players’ abilities is inevitably through competition.
There are definitely tennis talents in our midst, and to discover them calls for commitment to leave no stone unturned. But without an open mind and a high level of organisation from the tennis association, the potential of our young hopefuls will remain unrealised.
Servebot
