ITF

30 Summer 2021 ITF World "I knew, however, that I couldn't go ordering people in the BDTA about. This isn't the military and there is no rank involved, we are all volunteers. "That said, being in the military has certainly helped. For one, I developed my communication skills through the military and the more I have been promoted the harder and more demanding that gets. "In the modern military, especially at operational and strategic level, we also have to consider other domains – diplomatic, infrastructure and economic – when making decisions. That is needed at the BDTA also." After initially admitting to being "headless chickens", a period of stability has followed which culminated in the conditions for the lifting of their ITF suspension being met, with the BDTA re-joining active membership in March. Work alongside the ITF has since begun in earnest, with Brunei part of a four- day ITF Play Tennis National Tutor development course, together with representatives of Indonesia and Malaysia, delivered by ITF Development Officer Jonathan Stubbs in that only contribute as volunteers with no financial benefit." There could well be some exciting times ahead for tennis in Brunei, but whatever the future may hold, membership of the ITF – the nation first became a full member in 1993 – is seen as vital. "For me, it is imperative for the BDTA to be part of the ITF," said Didi, who has been a keen tennis player since he was aged 16 and previously represented Aer Lingus in inter-airline competition. "We need the support of the ITF in developing tennis here in Brunei and with that guidance we can reach the benchmark in playing, coaching and officiating standards, while at the same time keep track with the evolution of the game." History will judge whether Didi and Yusree are successful in reaching their targets and May. There is energy and purpose at the BDTA and the aspirations for the future are clear. "My aim from the very beginning was to get Brunei's tennis scene back operating at a regional as well as an international level through the ITF," added Yusree. "The ambition is to make tennis as big as possible in Brunei where it can be taken as a career rather than just a hobby in all spheres, whether that be playing, coaching or management. "I am currently attending the Executive Development Programme for senior government officers and my paper is on how to enhance Brunei's economic growth through sports tourism, which is something close to my heart. "Brunei is reliant on oil and gas, and I think it is time for our nation to diversify its economy through other means. Perhaps this is something we can make happen? It will take time, but we must start somewhere. "I also see an opportunity for the BDTA to grow and generate income. My personal view is the BDTA cannot be sustained by having members "It all happened by default really," said Yusree. "In early 2016, we learned that BDTA's ITF membership was suspended and being tennis enthusiasts Didi and I just wanted to help the association by filling in any gaps within the organisation and supporting where we could. "But when the former President and his committee dissolved themselves from the association, we felt we had to step in. "We gathered together a few local coaches and former national players, some of whom had been part of the national tennis development programme, and they became our interim committee." Yusree was initially touted as a possible President but believed his experience of liaising with government agencies and departments through his military work would be more suited to the role of Secretary General. Didi subsequently became President. "I told them that my experience as a military officer would be beneficial if I became the Secretary General," added Yusree. DEVELOPMENT Right Yusree and Didi alongside ITF President David Haggerty and the ITF's Interna onal Rela ons Manager James McGurran

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