Champions again: The Singapore floorball team reclaimed their title after going undefeated in all their matches, with three wins and a draw. (PHOTO: Evangeline Teo)
Singapore reclaimed their title as Asia Pacific (APAC) Floorball champions after a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Japan on Saturday, 6 February. The Singapore team topped the table by goal difference, qualifying for the World Men’s Floorball Championship in December. Japan, who finished second, also qualified while Australia seized the third and final spot.
Speaking before the match, Singapore coach Rajamanikam Saravanan was asked about Singapore's chances going into their final match. "We're definitely aiming for a win. The goal margin isn't important, what matters is a victory.As Japan is the defending champion, it would definitely not be a stroll in the park for Singapore. The Japanese players are very fast and they have not lost any matches so far so this will be Singapore's toughest match."
The match was played in front of 500 passionate supporters. It was the perfect finale to the championships as the two strongest teams in the competition faced off with each other.
Coach Saravanan's observations of the Japanese team were spot on as the Japanese players put on a fine display of their speed and agility on court. Singapore scored first but failed to hold on to the lead as the first period ended in a 1-1 draw.
In an evenly-matched contest, a draw proved to be a fair result. Having played their hearts out for the past four matches, Singapore deservedly took first place in the table by goal difference.
Having secured qualification for the World Men’s Floorball Championship in December, there is much anticipation on the team's preparation before playing on the big stage.
Captain Kelvin Koh, who took the Best Player Award in the match against Japan, reflected on the team's performance, "We wanted to win but we did not play up to standard. We had many chances but because of our individual mistakes, we had to settle for a draw."
As some of the young blood in the team will be serving National Service this year, the team will be looking to recruiting fresh talents.
Kelvin mentioned, "There'll be changes in team selection so it depends on what the coach wants. Whatever it is, we want to take the team forward. I believe we can do so because we have laid a good foundation."
Singapore remains optimistic ahead of the World Men’s Floorball Championship but they conceded that there is a long way to go before they can contest for the title with the likes of floorball powerhouses like Finland and Sweden.
Kelvin reflected, "We have to work on our defence and be more tactical but for now we can safely say we're the best in APAC, based on the table."
Singapore will play Switzerland, Latvia and Poland in Group B of the World Men's Floorball Championship in Finland.
By Evangeline Teo and Siti Mahmudah