“Malkit lives nearby. We came together, in fact.” — Shaista Akhtar of Moulmein CSC

Shaista Akhtar intercepts a ball in the team's match against Kolam Ayer CSC. (Photo 1 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

Kallang Netball Centre, Sunday, May 13, 2012 — “I volunteered for netball. It’s been years since I played netball!” said Shaista Akhtar, 25, on the sidelines of the Community Games netball tournament. She was there as part of the Moulmein CSC netball team.

“I played netball for class when I was in school,” said Shaista, who studied at Monk’s Hill Secondary.

“What I love about netball is the shooting and passing,” said the 1.68m tall Shaista, who has been working at the National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) as a programme executive.

“We got together at Bendemeer Secondary where I met almost everyone in the team for the first time,” said Shaista about how she got involved with the Moulmein CSC team. “It’s a good opportunity to get to know others.”

“I’m enjoying it. I take it as an opportunity to play a sport. I don’t get to do that on a normal basis. Do something different for a weekend! I would probably be still in bed or helping my mom,” said Shaista.

“You where got help your mom one? You will be out with your friends!” teased her teammate, Malkit Kaur, 50, who has known Shaista since she was a little girl.

“I was at Kampong Kapor CC for one year,” said Malkit, explaining how she knew Shaista’s family. “Shaista’s mother saw that I had a cold and went upstairs and made ginger tea for me. Shaista played under the block there when she was still young.”

“Malkit lives nearby. We came together, in fact,” added Shaista with a smile.