Heath Cahalan playing in the grand final of First Grade Competition at Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, New South Wales back in his home country.
KUCHING: A group of water polo enthusiasts have taken the initiative to revive the sport in the state which enjoyed its glory days in the 1980s and 1990s.
Sarawak were the 17-time national water polo champions from 1982 to 1997.
The three prime movers in this initiative are former state players Chin Khoon Siang and Voon Yong Hui, and Heath Cahalan.
Chin was the state coach in the early 1980s while Voon took over from Chin until the early 1990s.
Voon was also a member of the national team from 1985 to 1987, national coach from 1985 to 1995 and a former national team manager.
Cahalan is a 22-year-old Australian from Wagga Wagga, Sydney who is attached with a private school as a teacher.
“We have been talking about reviving the sport for quite some time and were in the planning stage to get it going when we met Cahalan who was working out in a local gym,” Chin recalled.
The trio sat down to discuss how to work things out and the first thing on their minds was to get a place to start their training programme.
“We managed to contact the Sarawak Golf Club who were very kind to allow us to use their swimming pool starting next Monday (Feb 10),” he said.
Training will be every day from 7pm to 9pm.
Chin is inviting all former water polo players and all those who are interested in playing the game to turn up on Monday at 7pm.
“We do appreciate people coming in to contribute to get the sport back to its glory days and we are also planning to set up teams to compete in national championships and Sukma,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cahalan said he noticed that there are a number of swimming pools in Kuching and thought it would be good to promote water polo here.
“Water polo is very popular in Australia. It is good for health and one’s well-being. Playing the game is also a good way to keep fit. In Australia, it is used as a rehabilitation and a sport in the off-season.”
“In summer we play rugby and cricket but when winter comes, we turn to playing water polo.”
Cahalan also noticed that football, futsal, badminton and basketball are very popular in Kuching, and he hoped that one day, water polo would enjoy the same status among the sports-loving people here.
He played water polo for seven years for Wagga Wagga and toured around New South Wales to play in competitions.
He also plays rugby for Kuching Rugby Football Club in the weekends.
“A student from that school is willing to contribute to junior development and we have the support of a few former players and swimmers.
“We hope to get at least 20 people turning up for the first training on Monday. We welcome anyone who can swim and wants to play water polo. Anyone can play and you don’t know how well you play until you starting playing it.
“Even if you are unsure, come and train once and there is no pressure. It is a fast and entertaining game to play and watch and you also get to socialise where friends and family members can all come and watch the game,” he added.
Those interested in the training can contact Cahalan at 010-5662109, Chin (016-8886640) or Voon (019-8886622).