Not toying around: Aw demonstrating his skills which he learned through watching online videos. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Yo-yo player eyes M’sia’s top spot after almost a decade at it
JOHOR BARU: When he was 13 years old, Aw Yee Han started his yo-yo journey, filling time during his daily commute to Singapore.
“I would wake up at 4am to cross the border for school, so I needed something to occupy myself with,” Aw, 22, shared.
“I stumbled upon yo-yo videos online and was captivated by the performance aspect.”
The long hours spent waiting for school transport and Immigration clearance provided ample opportunity to hone his skills.
“I quickly realised that some of the skills were very difficult to master.
“I remember it took me at least six months just to learn the ‘bind technique’ on my own,” he said.
Within nine months of picking up the sport in 2016, he took a leap of faith and participated in the Asia Pacific Yo-yo Championship, which was held in Singapore.
“I did not do well in my first competitive outing as my points kept getting deducted due to my missteps,” said Aw.
He added that he kept at it, improved gradually and eventually beat about 30 other competitors to win second place in the Malaysia Yo-yo Championship in 2018.
He hopes to participate in this year’s championship to clinch the coveted number one spot as Malaysia’s top yo-yo player.
Aw, who is the eldest of three siblings, said after finishing his secondary school studies, there was a time where he almost gave up the sport after his beloved uncle passed away.
“I lost all motivation and interest,” he said.
The subsequent Covid-19 pandemic and lack of competitions for about four years further dampened his enthusiasm.
“I decided to push myself to compete again last year and that was when a fellow competitor’s mother gave me some words of wisdom that struck a chord with me.
“It was the motivation I needed to continue pursuing my passion,” he added.
Aw has shared his love for yo-yo by teaching children at a Johor Baru skills centre, even investing in yo-yo sets for participants.
These days, while pursuing his Master of Business Administration, Aw also helps his parents with their air-conditioner spare parts business.
“I hope that one day, when the stars align, I can consistently teach children the sport and spread more awareness about yo-yo.
“Yo-yo playing has endless possibilities as it keeps evolving with new technologies.
“It is a very exciting sport and more than just a hobby,” he added.
