From football to cricket, coach to teammate: Two Singapore SEA Games athletes and their sporting journeys

SINGAPORE: Sara Merican is known by some as "the footballer".

But it is a title she has never really liked.

"It's not so much a rejection of that identity of a footballer or sports person, or desiring other identities. But trying to remind myself and protect my heart that we are far more than just what we do, or what we're passionate about," the 27-year-old told CNA.

More than a footballer, Merican is a daughter, a writer, a cinephile, a scholar. Now, add cricketer to the list.

After picking up the sport in September last year, Merican will represent Singapore at the upcoming 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia.

While studying for her master's degree in film and screen studies at the University of Cambridge, Merican chanced upon the school sports fair. 

"I signed up for a bunch of sports, maybe about five, looking to try something alongside football. Something that I wouldn't have pressure to perform well and not have any expectations for myself, and return to that childlike state of enjoying sport," said Merican, who has played football for over a decade.

"I went for maybe three sessions of cricket and then I really fell in love with the game because it's so strategic. There is actually a huge individual element and yet it is still a team sport."

Before leaving for the UK, Merican played football for Women's Premier League side Lion City Sailors. Just two years ago, she was part of the 23-player roster for the Lionesses – the senior women's national team – at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.

But Merican continued honing her cricket skills. When she returned to Singapore during the winter break, she got in touch with Chamal de Silva, head coach of the women's national cricket team.

"I found out then that they were opening up to some