THE 9th edition of the ASEAN Para Games will be table-tennis player Ting Ing Hock’s last hurrah.
The 50-year-old, who hails from Sarawak and currently ranked World No 9, will go into action on Sunday (Sept 17) when the Para table-tennis competition begins at Hall 7 of the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).
He aims to leave on a high note before considering switching to a full time coaching career instead of playing a dual role as player-cum-coach.
Winner of five gold medals at the 2005 ASEAN Para Games in Manila, Philippines, Ing Hock is eyeing gold medals in the men’s Class 9 individual category and also team event – teaming up with Chee Chao Ming and Hong Chin Sing.
The Class 9 category event is for players with mild impairments affecting the legs or the playing arm. Athletes with a stiff knee or restricted elbow of the playing arm compete in this sport class. Also, athletes who have significant impairments in the non-playing arm compete in this sport class. This will impact serving the ball.
Malaysia will be represented by 17 male and seven female players in the Para table-tennis competition.
WHAT THEY SAY:
?“?AFTER 14 years representing the country I believe it?‘s? time to move on. I have for long played the role of a player and coach and now I am seriously considering this Para Games as my last donning the national jersey. ? ?My target is two win two gold medals and then quit.? ?I want to focus on creating a wider pool of Para table-tennis players as it is difficult juggling my position as player and coach.?? ?– TING ING HOCK ?, National senior player
?“?HE (Ing Hock) is a very talented experience?d? player having been in the scene for a long time. He has won a total of 13 gold medals in the ASEAN Para Games over the years and is a source of inspiration to the younger players.?“?? ?– SHAMSUL AZHA MD YUSOFF?, ?Team Manager
