A new sport will be introduced into the future of Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) Games as an initiative to enhance the abilities of students in Malaysia, and to open them to new opportunities within the sports industry.
The sport is called ‘Floorball’ and originating from Sweden, Floorball was first introduced in Malaysia in 2002 at University Malaya. With five players in the field, each is equipped with a stick to shoot the ball with. Whereas the game’s goalie will be suited up with a helmet.
The rules are easy and straightforward, like any other ball games, the objective of the game is to shoot as much ball as the team can into the goal post. Apart from that, the sport also emphasises on safety. Such is evident with the game’s equipment, whereby the stick and the ball are made of lightweight plastic materials. Floorball also requires minimal contact with each other, including no body contact or blocking of opposing players. As for junior players, they are required to wear goggles while playing.
So what sort of skills are needed for the game? Since Floorball is a fast-paced sport, its players require accuracy, speed, stamina, great observation skills, and flexibility.
Like other sports, Floorball has its own benefits toward its players. For the most prominent reason, Floorball builds muscles, endurance and stamina. Besides that, for students in Malaysia, they are required to obtain an extra co-curriculum activity and Floorball makes a great, healthy sport to pick up.
Furthermore, active players have the chance to proceed to the international arena, hence providing them with a chance to experience a whole new level of the game. Other Asian countries that are actively involved at an international level are Singapore, Thailand, Philippine and Indonesia.
What is great about Floorball is the two-minute game substitutions whereby while the game is ongoing, concurrently, the five players on the field can be switched with another five players from the bench. Henceforth, each team will usually comprise 15 to 20 members. At the national level, substitutions can happen three times.
Floorball development in Sarawak
The history of Floorball in Sarawak started in 2014 at Miri, Sarawak when 51-year-old Farrell Choo Kah Ting was intrigued by the sport that he saw through a newspaper article.
After contacting the Malaysia Floorball Association, they came to I-Systems College, Miri to train players for the sport. Farrell, being the Principal of I-Systems College, Miri also became a certified coach.
Currently, there are six schools in total including I-Systems College, Miri that practise Floorball.
On January 19, Farrell initiated the sport’s introduction in Kuching, Sarawak by conducting a workshop to train 20 SMK ST Joseph Kuching’s students on Floorball.
With zero knowledge on Floorball, Farrell commented that the players from the school managed to pick up the sport well, and was having fun playing it.
Among the players are Nicholas Shawn, and Lawrance Jane, both 15. Both players commended the sport as easy and fun, and would most likely be active in it.
With the introduction, Farrell hopes more schools will pick up the activity as it will be registered into the SUKMA Games. Thus, providing students with opportunities to soar within the sports industry.
Those interested to know more about Floorball in Sarawak can contact Farrell at 0178671203. Or to visit the ‘Floorball Sarawak’ community page on Facebook.
Recently, two Sarawakian ladies, Ivana Sonia Beriak and Janeter Kadir have been chosen to represent Malaysia at the Women’s World Floorball Championships 2019 to be held in Asia Oceania, Thailand from January 27 to February 1.
