One step away from professionalism
Boon Ling by her punching bag.
PROFILE by Leow Fang Yi
The bell rings and the spectators break into rounds of roaring applause as she punches her fist into the air triumphantly. She fights for National University of Singapore and could probably out fight you in her sleep.
Eng Boon Ling is the exemplar of a lady who has succeeded in an arena dominated by men. Focusing on agility, speed and aggressiveness, Muay Thai is a sport that makes many girls flee.
Boon Ling however, is bent on excelling in it.
“No doubt, this is a sport which more men are interested in, but doing Muay Thai gives me the adrenaline rush that no other sports can. The sense of satisfaction of knowing that I can be as tough as or even better than some men is what attracts me,” Boon Ling replied when asked about her motivation to join Muay Thai.
In her first year of university, Boon Ling has already been informally appointed the Vice President of External Affairs of the NUS Muay Thai Club. She will represent NUS as one of the only two female fighters for the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic Games in October 2011.
Equipped with just one year of fighting experience, the Science student has also been marked as a promising up-and-coming fighter for the school’s traditionally male dominated team. The ex-president of NUS MTC, Phoon Jen Wei said that having enthusiastic Boon Ling is a “rare and treasured addition” to the school team and foresees that she will “definitely be a bonus for NUS and its reputation in Singapore’s fighting scene.”
Boon Ling’s passion blossomed when she first joined classes externally during her summer holidays in 2010. Since then, she has attended classes with both the Singapore’s Fight G Gym and NUS Muay Thai Club.
As exciting as it is, Muay Thai can also be overwhelming.
“At times when exams are coming up, it gets more difficult. But it all boils down to time management,” Boon Ling said. Other than runs to build up her cardio resistance, she trains thrice a week with her NUS team. On top of such intensive training routines, she has to also juggle her roles of being an executive committee member, a full-time student and a filial daughter.
“She demands a lot from herself. She will not accept anything other than excellence. However, she will still make sure she spends quality time with me during the weekends,” said Mrs. Eng, Boon Ling’s mother. Boon Ling is definitely a girl who values family as much as her personal hobbies.
“Never back down,” Boon Ling said. “This is the spirit I live by when I face challenges.”
The bell rings and the spectators break into rounds of roaring applause as she punches her fist into the air triumphantly. She fights for National University of Singapore and could probably out fight you in her sleep.
Eng Boon Ling is the exemplar of a lady who has succeeded in an arena dominated by men. Focusing on agility, speed and aggressiveness, Muay Thai is a sport that makes many girls flee.
Boon Ling however, is bent on excelling in it.
“No doubt, this is a sport which more men are interested in, but doing Muay Thai gives me the adrenaline rush that no other sports can. The sense of satisfaction of knowing that I can be as tough as or even better than some men is what attracts me,” Boon Ling replied when asked about her motivation to join Muay Thai.
In her first year of university, Boon Ling has already been informally appointed the Vice President of External Affairs of the NUS Muay Thai Club. She will represent NUS as one of the only two female fighters for the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic Games in October 2011.
Equipped with just one year of fighting experience, the Science student has also been marked as a promising up-and-coming fighter for the school’s traditionally male dominated team. The ex-president of NUS MTC, Phoon Jen Wei said that having enthusiastic Boon Ling is a “rare and treasured addition” to the school team and foresees that she will “definitely be a bonus for NUS and its reputation in Singapore’s fighting scene.”
Boon Ling’s passion blossomed when she first joined classes externally during her summer holidays in 2010. Since then, she has attended classes with both the Singapore’s Fight G Gym and NUS Muay Thai Club.
As exciting as it is, Muay Thai can also be overwhelming.
“At times when exams are coming up, it gets more difficult. But it all boils down to time management,” Boon Ling said. Other than runs to build up her cardio resistance, she trains thrice a week with her NUS team. On top of such intensive training routines, she has to also juggle her roles of being an executive committee member, a full-time student and a filial daughter.
“She demands a lot from herself. She will not accept anything other than excellence. However, she will still make sure she spends quality time with me during the weekends,” said Mrs. Eng, Boon Ling’s mother. Boon Ling is definitely a girl who values family as much as her personal hobbies.
“Never back down,” Boon Ling said. “This is the spirit I live by when I face challenges.”