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KORAT, Thailand: Having formed its National Sports Association only recently, Singapore's Muay Thai team had a daunting task at the Southeast Asian Games.
Participating in the Games, team member and bronze medallist Brenda Shee said she was "excited, a little nervous because this is the home country of Muay Thai."
The Thais live and breathe the sport they invented but Singapore is not buckling under any pressure.
"They have been competing since nine years old, since they were kids. For us, Muay Thai has just entered the scene not long ago, but it's growing fast in Singapore. So it'll be a great learning experience," said team member and bronze medallist Louis Wong.
Team manager Terence Cheah pointed out, "Well I always tell my guys in the ring, it is them and another human being. Be it (a) Thai, or someone else from another country… The important thing is training. And if you put in enough training, there's nothing to be afraid of."
Singapore's Muay Thai boxers recently competed in the world championship, where 17-year-old Brenda won a silver in the youth category.
The team also trained in Thailand leading up to the SEA Games, and it has paid off with Singapore snatching three bronze medals.
They want to do well, but just as important, they want to see for themselves what the Thai fighters are like in the ring.
"The Thais, they focus more on their legs. But countries like Philippines, they are good with their hands, they focus more on punching. Different opponents have different style in fighting."
Fighting experience with different opponents helps them build their knowledge, techniques and even tactics. And this SEA Games will prove a valuable lesson for future teams. - CNA/ac
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