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Cardiologist has high hopes for Germany’s future in sepak takraw | Scoop
Kilian Tristan Leander Thompson (number 18) led the German team to a 15-10, 17-16 victory against Saudi Arabia in the Division 1, Group I match of the Sepak Takraw World Cup at Titiwangsa Stadium today. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, May 18, 2024
Sports

Cardiologist has high hopes for Germany’s future in sepak takraw

Captain of Germany's doubles team, Kilian Tristan Leander Thompson, shares his journey from discovering the sport to leading his country's charge at Sepak Takraw World Cup

Main Author Image
Faizal Salim
Updated
10:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Cardiologist by day and sepak takraw player by night is an apt description of Germany’s Kilian Tristan Leander Thompson, who discovered the game he loves after being introduced to it by a friend in school more than a decade ago.

Kilian is the captain of Germany’s doubles team that is competing in Division 1 at the Sepak Takraw World Cup at the Titiwangsa Stadium from today until May 26.

Recalling his introduction to the game, Kilian said that a friend told him that there was a new sport that he could be interested in.

“When I saw sepak takraw, I was immediately amazed by it and later on, there was a coach who moved to our city.

“His name is Ismail and he is from Singapore, we call him ‘bapak’, and when I saw him teach the sport to others, I felt like I needed to learn sepak takraw.

“Although it is extremely difficult, it has not stopped me from playing,” said the 31-year-old.

In a land where football is king, Kilian said the high skill curve to learn sepak takraw is one of its hindrances in terms of growing as a sport in Germany.

According to him, the ease of accessibility to football facilities and how simple football can be played make it difficult for anyone to pick up the sepak takraw sport.

“It is easy to play football in Germany; you just go to the court and kick the ball around.

“To learn the ball control in sepak takraw is difficult and frustrating, especially in the beginning. If you are not disciplined enough and don’t find joy in the game, it is going to be tough.”

Meanwhile, Kilian believes that Germany can go far in the ongoing World Cup.

“We have two or three players who are young and very good. They have the ball control and dedication, and they have overcome the early frustration that comes when learning the game,” added Kilian.

In today’s match against Saudi Arabia, Kilian partnered Kevin Tanay to deliver victory for Germany.

They had a little scare in the second set but managed to seal a 15-10, 17-16 victory in the Group I match here today.

“I was relieved that we could wrap up the match; we had a good start but got a bit shaky in the second set.

“We regained our composure and tried to have some fun, and it was all good in the end.

“Doubles is our strong suit because when we have tournaments in Europe, we play doubles all day. I expect us to go to the final.

“To be realistic in the regu, I don’t think we will make it to the final, semis maybe,” said Kilian. – May 18, 2024

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