My Tribute to the Singapore National Stadium Some call it the White Elephant. How wrong can they be? Don’t know about them but I certainly lived where the sun shone bright.
I understand progress and development but I am still sad that a place filled with memories I hold dear in my life will be demolished soon. This is the first of my 3 part story which spans a good 20 years of my entire life. All of which involves the National Stadium in some way.
I had not picked up a bowling ball less think about competing for the nation when I first stepped in the National Stadium. It was the Malaysian Cup fever that brought me and the entire nation (it sure felt like the entire country was there) to the stadium. It was dizzying just thinking and looking forward to the matches. As soon as one gets to the stadium, I remember how the adrenalin builds up as we walk into the stadium. As early as you get to the stadium, there were always others ahead of you. Stench from the toilets linger in the concourse and the queue at the drinks and snacks stalls were right there with it. We were oblivious or at least we tolerated and held our breathe. It was all part of the ritual when we go to a match.
You’ll hear the foot stomping crowds and jeers for what seemed like a match was underway. The rush and anticipation and sheer entertainment to come was a real rush for many
The footballers were entertaining and the stars themselves were a sight to behold. There was the good looking Mohammad Noor who married singer Rahimah Rahim. Occasionally you’ll catch sight of her in the VIP stands. The swift moving Quah Kim Song ran rings around his opponents. Our very able Captain Seak Poh Leong was quite popular with the women fans too. Of course there were others like the talented Dollah Kassim and Samad Alapitchay who ran with the most upright posture. Eric Paine was the goal keeper and has just the biggest hands. At least that was before I saw those of Peter Schmeichel. These are just some of the unforgettable names in the Malaysian Cup. Years down the road, the Singapore team saw some new faces. These are names that even this generation will recognize. Fandi, Malek and David Lee. Do you remember? The one person I must mention is the “chop chop”(reserve) man who always without fail saves a spot for me in the crowded stadium ( this was after I’ve started bowling and I guess recognizable). I am thankful.
The National Stadium was not our first stadium but in terms of my sporting heritage, it all started for me then.
Article migrated from original My Story Portal 2007.
Author. Mantou28