MEN:   Known for his friendly and easy-going disposition, Pei Zhou exudes quiet charm and confidence. This Year 2 Engineering student captains the Men’s Badminton team this year. With almost a decade of experience under his belt (In badminton la!), this smooth and suave player is more than qualified to lead our boys to glory!

Pamela: Does our Badminton team stand a good chance at this year’s IHG?

Pei Zhou: Kent Ridge Hall is strong this year, but I definitely think have a chance. IHG trials for Badminton will be held next week; we’ll have to see who the players we have are. But I still do believe we have a very good chance of winning this year!

Pam: Are there faces in the guys’ team we should be looking out for at the upcoming IHG?

PZ: The team is basically the same from last year – most of the players from last year haven’t left. But of course, there are a couple of new additions. Our previous IVP Badminton captain – Tan Rui Sheng – is back from exchange!

Pam: When did you start playing Badminton?

PZ: In Secondary 1. Out of pure interest. I was in Anglican High, and Badminton was one of the 3 main sports the school had to offer. I wanted to join a sport; Badminton seemed to be the most appealing.

Pam: Is Badminton your passion or your favourite sport?

PZ: I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite sport, but it’s something I have interest in. I used to be a national youth swimmer in primary school (Oooh… Talented sia…), but I lost interest in swimming and decided I wanted to take up Badminton instead.

Pam: Any hopes or expectations for your team?

PZ: To build bonds within the team without forgetting that we are striving for the gold. I believe in hall spirit, and the goal that I had in mind when I took up the challenge of becoming Captain was to have a good team spirit and a goal common to everyone in the team.

Pam: How do you intend to go about achieving these expectations?

PZ: Organize the team well, and try to encourage people to go for training. If the team is bonded, most people will go for training – they won’t pon!

Pam: Here’s an interesting one: since you’re such an active sportsperson, does your ‘ideal partner’ have play sports too?

PZ: She doesn’t have to be a sportsperson, but if she’s a sportsperson – there’ll be more common points we can relate to.

Pam: Why Badminton?

PZ: It was the second sport I was exposed to that I actually liked. I think I’m quite a racquet sports person.