By Table Tennis EXCO ’24
The atmosphere freezes as everyone holds their breath. The final point. The point that would earn us the victory. The point that would allow us to stand the highest on the podium. The ball is served and it flashes back and forth, with both players keeping up with immense speed, reflexes and agility.
With the final swing, the Rafflesian puts all his strength onto the ball. One bounce on the other side of the table, and the ball lands on the floor. The stadium erupts into chaos and deafening cheers as his teammates rush onto the court, embracing the player with such enthusiasm that makes it hard for him to breathe.
That scenario awaits you once you join our CCA. Table Tennis, also known as “ping pong”, is an exciting, fast-paced sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using a small wooden racket. The widely-known sport takes place on a hard table divided by a net. You might even have gotten your own shot at it during PE lessons!
However, while it might look and sound simple, table tennis requires high levels of precision, speed as well as split-second decision-making when played at a higher level, making it a rather difficult sport to master.
The RI table tennis team is a close-knit community where all team members are equally committed to disciplined and intensive training sessions. With the unwavering support of our teachers and coaches, we strive to develop each member to their highest potential. Above all, it is our utmost priority to provide a safe, warm and conducive environment for each and every member to play together and grow.
We strive to build a family which recognises the universal importance of not only celebrating each other’s achievements, but also supporting and uplifting each other during tough moments, both in and outside the sport.
Of course, all our results reflect our hard work during training. During the period of the National School Games, we train thrice a week, while we train twice a week during the post-competition period. Our training sessions take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week during the competition period at the Year 1-4 gymnasium.
With the help of both our experienced coaches, every training session consists of physical conditioning, perfecting techniques and sparring matches, which are personalised for each player. Our experienced teacher-mentors are also there to support our journey and unleash our fullest potential as a player.
In the 2023 National School Games, both the girls’ and the boys’ teams achieved commendable results. Our hard work paid off as the boys’ and girls’ teams emerged as 1st runners-up after a heart-stopping final. Despite the disappointment of not achieving the championship titles, the team cherished the bonds that were made, and the ups and downs experienced together in our journey have strengthened the team further.
In 2024, we aim to achieve the championship titles in the National School Games as a team and to support each other in our own individual table tennis journey. In the face of challenges, we will combine our individual strengths and march on together as one united team.
Beyond the regular training sessions, we also engage in bonding activities to boost the team’s morale. We often come together for team dinners and to study together to foster stronger ties between team members.
The various holistic experiences obtained from being a part of our table tennis team entail a well-rounded development of the individual and an enriching journey in RI with fond memories.
We welcome players who have competitive experience, possess great sportsmanship and love to contribute to teamwork.
