Ling (left) and Tsai will be competing at the prestigious 5th Asian School Table Tennis Championships 2016 in Singapore from today onwards.
KUCHING: Lodge Secondary School’s Gabriel Ling Kerk Yu and Derrick Tsai Chang Fung are set to represent Malaysia at the 5th Asian School Table Tennis Championships 2016 from today (Aug 12) to Aug 19 in Singapore.
The 16-year-olds have been competing on the international circuit since they were 11 and though the duo may not have been overnight successes, they have proven themselves again and again over the years with numerous awards.
Ling, who aspires to be a professional table tennis player one day, said the sport taught him never to give up in the face of adversity while Tsai pointed out that it gave him valuable life lessons as well.
“While playing, I have to control my emotions and consider each of my actions carefully. I find that this has also inspired me to apply these values in my daily life,” Tsai said.
Both fourth formers acknowledged that they found it increasingly challenging to juggle academic demands and strict training schedules. Nevertheless, they are thankful ti their teachers for the assistance and guidance.
“Our teachers are very understanding with our schedules, and we are very grateful that they have even given us extra coaching to help us catch up with school. This motivates us to work even harder, in table tennis and in school.”
Meanwhile, Lodge Group of Schools director Thomas Huo in a statement said Ling and Tsai have been an inspiration to their peers in school.
“They embody the motto of Lodge School, which is to ‘Learn, Persevere, Succeed’. I wish them all the best at the prestigious Asian School Table Tennis Championships and may they continue to bring glory to Malaysia as well as to Lodge School.”