Interview With Malaysian Women’s Star Awatif Ezzah

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 since I was in college (SEGI University College) and I was one of the female Dodgeball player under the college club name Barbarians. Dodgeball Malaysia has organized this National League and we were competing under our club , Immortals which brought us to World Championship since we won the league in the year 2014. We had to compete among national clubs to win the spot to become one of the National Players. My first experience representing Malaysia as National Athlete was in Las Vegas, year 2015 which we were placed 3rd in all female category.

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

There were many highlights in the games we played especially those against the champion team which we never go against before. It was intense and nerve wrecking at the same time but we managed to pull together and play as a team. There were many great games I think, but so far my best experience is always against Australia as they really gives us a great challenge at the same time its always fun to play against the team.

3 – Malaysia’s Women’s Team have qualified for the World Cup for the first time. How does it feel? Is there any nerves or pressure?

Honestly, its both excited and scary at the same time. But this honestly could be the best feeling I’e ever felt after years of playing Dodgeball. Definitely there’s pressure thinking is our preparation enough for this World Cup and so but the more we think about negative thoughts it will not help or motivate us. I believe our female team this year can pull this off.

4 – 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 our fitness trainings before our actual training begins for 3-4 times a week which consist of agility, conditioning and cardio. I also do a bit of strength and extra conditioning, explosive workouts in the gym. One of the tips is just to stay motivated at all times despite losing or even winning, keep supporting your team mates as it will really boost the excitement and game play in the long run.

5 – 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?

It felt so surreal but I am very excited at the same time! New York has been one of my dream country to travel and its a golden opportunity to be able to represent Malaysia for my favorite sports , thanks to our big support, Malaysia Dodgeball Federation.

6 – 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 or?

I couldn’t pick any as Dodgeball is such a great sport where there’ll be no great player as everyone have own strength and power. One can contribute through the whole game if they play as a team.

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

I would like to believe that this year will be something great. Malaysia team will give our best for World Cup.

8 – 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?

Last year Woman Champion, Australia is definitely one of the favorite and their games is worth watching, so full of intensity and excitement.

Lastly some fun questions!

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

Best place to eat in Malaysia is Mamak haha. But home cooked always the best hence My favorite dish is definitely my mother’s Nasi Dagang.

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

My pick is still Malaysia but the other best option will be Indonesian dish, ayam penyet with their spicy sambal!