Oh, what a wonder! Its colours so splendid, its texture so gentle to touch, and yet its primary purpose is to withstand the force of a foot's impact! What, you may ask, is this extraordinary object? None other than the Chapteh, though I cannot vouch for the accuracy of its name. Regardless of such minor concerns, one cannot deny the widespread popularity of the Chapteh game among the students of various origins, especially those of Chinese and Malay descent.
As I observed the urban students of JB city engaging in this age-old pastime, I found myself deeply impressed by the sheer joy they derived from participating in a game almost forgotten by their rural counterparts. Typically, this activity unfolded in a large hall before the afternoon school sessions and during breaks.
The participants displayed a strong determination as they kicked the Chapteh back and forth, working up a sweat that filled the air with a somewhat unpleasant odor. Interestingly, the more they perspired, the happier they seemed.
To the best of my memory, there were two ways to play this sport. The first and more common method involved forming a circle, with the size depending on the number of participants. The Chapteh was then kicked using a variety of techniques and stylized moves, showcasing the participants' skill in manipulating their lower limbs. It was quite entertaining to watch their unique and whimsical gestures as they tried to pass the Chapteh to one another. If a player failed to keep the Chapteh in the air, they would be eliminated from the competition.
Those who demonstrated mastery over the Chapteh would execute passes that were nearly impossible to intercept, sometimes leading to spirited disputes. Gradually, contestants would be eliminated until only two outstanding players remained. The Chapteh would then continue its airborne journey for an extended period, with previously eliminated youths cheering enthusiastically until a supreme champion emerged and was hailed as the King.
Following this, the participants would regroup in a circle and start anew. As expected, those with less skill in using their lower limbs were quickly eliminated, leading to a showdown between two contenders competing for the coveted royal title. And who, may I ask, was often among those final two? None other than yours truly!
The second method involved a head-to-head encounter, with the arena divided into two distinct areas resembling a badminton court but smaller and without a net. Only a single chalk line separated these two regions. This variant posed a greater challenge and brought greater satisfaction to the skilled participants.
The residents of the Asrama took particular delight in this variant and engaged in it with great enthusiasm. For the circular variant, the badminton court often served as the battleground, after afternoon prep class but before dinner. Due to the large number of Form 1 students at the time, the resulting circle became quite sizable. The game was accompanied by lively laughter, with participants playfully teasing each other, and the more skilled players being quickly defeated. Sometimes, they would collaborate to eliminate the proficient contestants through intricate Chapteh manoeuvres.
The intensity of the game reached new heights when district allegiances came into play. Two main districts held sway over the Asrama, namely Kota and Kluang, with other districts like Segamat, Mersing, and Kulai forced to accept this dominance. Players often rallied behind their respective districts, aiming to defeat rivals from other territorial domains. Unfortunately, individuals from Segamat, Mersing, and Kulai often found themselves caught up in this internal rivalry. A regrettable state of affairs indeed.
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