Interview with Malaysian Men’s Star Heidy Yusoff

1 – Can you give us a bit of a background of your Dodgeball playing career, and how you ended up representing your country?

I’ve been playing dodgeball for almost 8 years now.. and how I came about being a Captain was totally accidental as at that point of time I choose to step up and take the responsibility to be Captain of the Malaysia team.. I never knew if i was ready but My focus was to make Malaysia proud..

2 – Any highlights from your international career? Best games etc?

My best game would definitely be World Cup 2016 against Wales in the Semi finals.. we were down but we never give up as we knew we were playing for the Country that we love.. and we made the unthinkable happen by making a comeback and making it to the finals

3 – As both a player and a coach, with a great amount of success in both fields how do you divide your time between both? Any tips you can share for others in a similar role?

It is a very tough role to take as a captain and coach but as I mentioned before the reason ‘WHY’ must be really strong in your heart to be able to take up such responsibility and my ‘why’ was my Country..

4 – Malaysia are going into this tournament as one of the favourites, as opposed to 2016 when you were relatively unknown underdogs. How has this change of perception been viewed by the players?

We went in the World Cup 2016 as underdogs cause no one knew about us, in my opinion nothing should change.. we should be stepping into World Cup 2018 New York as a clean sheet of paper and fight our hearts out as i am sure other countries will be at their best too..

5 – What’s your workout routine and training like in preparation for the 2018 Dodgeball World Cup? Any tips you can lend to aspiring dodgeball players?

We have team training 4 times a week.. and I have 2 days of recovery workout.. trying to balance work and being an part time athlete is really challenging but I wouldnt have it any other way

6 –  How does it feeling knowing that in a few weeks you’ll be playing in one of the most famous stadiums in the world, Madison Square Garden?

Madison Square Garden aka ‘the Mecca of sports’ It is only a dream that I never thought would ever come true.. I will do my best for my country and make this year count

7 – One of the core beliefs of the Asian Dodgeball Federation is our #StrongerTogether campaign. So we’d love for you to share your thoughts on who you believe some of the best players in Asia-Pacific are. Who should we be looking out for?

I would say Asia Pacific has a great pool of talents, and I could name you three players that in my opinions are top players in the world.. Andrew Thomason, Craig Payne, Lakita Seigafo – Australian Players

8 – Any predictions for Malaysia at the World Cup? Can Malaysia win all three categories like at APC2017?

World Cup 2018 will be a whole new level of competitiveness, and we need to be at our best in order to reach our Goal of being crowned World Champions for all three Categories..

9 – How do you think the other Asia-Pacific nations will go at the World Cup? Any nation you’d like to single out for being a favourite for success on this stage?

I would have to say Australia.. we’ve build a strong relationship and connection with Australia ever since the first Asia pacific qualifier in Melbourne.. Australia has made Malaysia a better team.. and if Malaysia were to failed to be champions, my vote will go to Australia for sure..

Lastly some fun questions!

10 – Where is the best place to eat in Malaysia? And what’s your favourite Malaysian dish?

Penang!!! A small island in Malaysia where I am from.. FOOD HEAVEN!

11 – Which country in Asia-Pacific has the best food? Which dish is the best?

Hahaha sorry I am biased when it comes to this MALAYSIA has the best food