NATIONAL female basketballer Tai Chia Qian's journey into the sport happened by chance.
She started playing basketball for recreation, which eventually turned into a hobby. She didn't realise that she was good at it, but she knew that basketball made her happy.
"As I went along, I realised that the sport brought me so much fun and joy to my childhood. I just love basketball."
When she was 10, her physical education teacher took notice of her talent, and registered her for the school team. A few weeks later, she was selected to represent her primary school for a basketball tournament.
"Two years later, I started competing for Melaka and when I was 15, I joined the youth national basketball team," she says.
Tai says she owes it to her parents for their unwavering support and going the extra mile to support her interest.
"At that time, there wasn't any high school near our house that had basketball teams or basketball courts. So my parents enrolled me into a school that was a 90-minute drive away from home just so I could continue playing basketball.
"It was a huge sacrifice, what with the long daily commute and I'm really thankful and appreciative of what they have done for me and for supporting me all the way," she says.
CHILDREN AND EXERCISE
Now 26, Tai says it's important to educate children that sports and regular exercise are important, regardless of gender.
"Staying active is part of human life, and exercising and playing sports shouldn't be gender-stereotyped," she says
"In the past, we saw more men exercising compared with women, but in today's society, there are more women taking up sports and we can find many women-only community gyms too. So I think it is fair to say that both men and women are living an active lifestyle."
She says toddlers and children should be educated on the importance of exercise for maintaining good health, something that needs to be undertaken for life.
"Parents play an important role in getting their children to lead an active life. Children learn by example and parents are their biggest role models. So if you want your children to exercise, you must do that first."
She says even sports brands are now taking the initiative to inculcate sports in kids. Brands like Under Armour, for example, are looking into providing young athletes with access to sports by encouraging them to stay active and healthy.
"When Under Armour launched Curry Flow 10, the brand and basketballer Stephen Curry changed the game for a good cause through projects that provide coaches and gear for youths."
WOMEN IN SPORTS
Tai says globally, most resources and exposure are still on men's sports, but women's events are coming up.
"Most people would associate sports with male activity. For example, football has for a long time been commonly perceived as a male sport, but there's going to be a Fifa Women's World Cup happening next year.
"Women's sports are definitely up and coming, and I hope there will be greater exposure to women's sports moving forward. With more support, we are able to publicise women's sports, driving our community to appreciate women's involvement in sports and their athleticism."
Tai says she enjoys exercising alone but because basketball is a team sport, it is always best to train with her teammates or friends.
"Training sessions can be stressful because there's always this fear of you making mistakes during group practices, as well as the challenges that come with fulfilling your coaches' demands. Because of these factors, it is encouraged for us to train and improve together," she says.
Tai says she frequently trains with her teammates, so they are able to encourage one another to improve and to work hard together.
"Some days I train alone and these are the times when I will attempt different moves and strategies, so that I can understand my sport better," she says.
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