Tan's a key reason RI ruled in table tennis

Tan's a key reason RI ruled in table tennis

By his own admission, he suffered his most bitter moment in five years as teacher-in-charge of the Raffles Institution (RI) table tennis team in 2012.

Tan Chiew Sern was determined they would come back stronger from defeat in last year's B  Division boys' final.

The 36-year-old art teacher, who is among the four nominees for this year's S Soocelaraj Award, coaxed, cajoled and pushed the RI paddlers to learn from the experience.

It paid off in April this year, when RI won the B Division title for the first time since 2005.

The triumph was a high point in what was a fantastic year for the Raffles schools' table-tennis teams.

They swept an unprecedented five titles out of a possible six in the national championships.

RI B Division team captain Yee Jin Koi, who played in last year's final, said Tan played a key role in the school's C and B boys' triumphs.

Said Jin Koi: "My doubles partner and I were really down for a few weeks after we lost last year's final, but Mr Tan would always talk to us and encourage us to try harder.

"He also shared with us his past experiences in preparing for tournament finals.

"That really helped us and it was a reason why we did better this time round."

Tan, a former national youth paddler, said he learnt as much from the loss as his students.

"I told the students to take it (the defeat) as a learning experience," he said.

"In fact, I think it was valuable not just for them, but for the coaches and us teachers as well.

"One of the reasons we lost was that we hadn't reached a final in some time.

"So in a way, it helped us and made us stronger."

Tan joined RI in June 2007 and became one of the teachers-in-charge of table tennis seven months later.

The appointment was a natural fit.

Having represented Pei Chun Primary, Chinese High and then Hwa Chong JC, he knew exactly what challenges his student-athletes would face.

Tan does not coach, but he enjoys helping the students in other areas.

"I leave the coaching to the two coaches and trust them in that aspect," he said.

LOOK AFTER

"My role is to look after things like discipline... (and) I also look after their academic performance, because they spend a lot of time training.

"Some train on their own outside of school, some are in the national youth teams.

"So, if need be, I get the subject teachers to help out sometimes."

Jin Koi says RI's paddlers appreciate what Tan does.

"Mr Tan is a very patient person and he always takes notice of how every player is doing," he said.

"When he sees any player having problems with his studies or performance, he will give them advice on how to cope, and counsel them." Tan played down his impact on RI's recent success in table tennis.

"It's not about me," he said.

"Along the way, all the stakeholders, the school management, coaches and parents, have all shown great support.

"Results are one thing... But, to achieve it, it takes a collective effort from everyone."

As for his nomination for the S Soocelaraj Award, Tan added: "I was quite surprised... I'm humbled that someone noticed what I did and nominated me.

"RI did very well all-round in sports this year, and I believe there are a lot of other teachers who also deserve recognition."

msazali@sph.com.sg


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