Coming from successful stints in the age-group ranks, much is expected from athletes like Shan Clar at the higher level.
However, for this young upstart, who picked up badminton at the age of 10, it has been a matter of learning to handle the pressure.
After all, his journey began with a simple love for the game.
“Parang naligaw lang ako sa badminton kasi dati table tennis talaga sports ko. Eh nung intramurals, walang slot sa table tennis. Tapos ‘yun, nagustuhan ko na ‘yung badminton,” recalled the De La Salle – John Bosco Colleges product.
“Nung una , ine-enjoy ko lang ‘yung badminton, hindi ko iniisip na may mas magaling. Parang in-enjoy ko lang talaga. Tapos no’n, nag-start akong mag-training kasi parang nagka interest na rin ako. Do’n nag-start na sumali ako ng mga tournaments.”
With small wins came larger victories, igniting a deeper passion for the sport.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nung nakapanalo ako ng mga regional events at nakasali ako ng Palaro, tapos na-expose ako sa iba’t ibang mga players, do’n ako nagkaroon ng spark na kaya ko palang magpursige,” said the Palarong Pambansa 2023 bronze medalist in the Secondary Boys’ Singles.
With this success, Clar ultimately joined the University of the Philippines and debuted in UAAP Season 87. The young athlete from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, felt the stakes had risen significantly.
“Ngayong college, parang mas nafi-feel ko na ‘yung pressure kasi university na ‘yung dinadala. Pero same lang din. In-e-enjoy ko lang and iniisip ko lang palagi ‘yung mga goals ko, kung paano ko siya nakamit,” he admitted.
That same mindset guided Clar when he led the Fighting Maroons to a crucial bounce-back victory last Sunday, winning the deciding singles match against the more experienced Jason Pajarillo of the De La Salle University Green Shuttlers.
As he looks ahead to tougher challenges, the rookie is determined to maintain his focus.
“Hindi ko iniisip ‘yung result. Basta enjoy lang at ginagawa ko lang ‘yung tine-train ko, malalabas kong ‘yung performance ko,” he said.
“Since nafi-feel ko na ‘yung UAAP na tournament and alam ko na mas malalakas ‘yung mga kalaban ko, ang mindset ko is kalma lang ako dapat sa court. Hindi ako magmamadali kasi nothing to lose naman ako since rookie ako.”
