The quidditch team in Malaysia was started by Andrew Kasimir back in May 2013. Andrew, who is a copywriter by profession, picked it up in Australia while still studying in Murdoch University.
Since then, Andrew participated in a lot of quidditch tournaments, even competed nationally all over Australia. He still travels to Perth on and off to participate in casual tournaments.
After getting back from Australia, the 26-year old felt a void in his life and decided to start his own quidditch team, and thus the Damansara Dementors were born.
The initial members were only friends, but now the team has grown, they competed at the recent Asian Quidditch Cup held in Subang. That’s not all, they’re also looking for new members to groom so they can send the team over to the Quidditch World Cup in 2018.
Yes, there is a quidditch world cup.
According to Andrew, the sport started some 11 years ago in America, and has evolved a lot since. The response has been quite slow in Asia, compared to Europe and America. But Andrew is positive that things will pick up.
Andrew admits that it is quite difficult for the sport the gain attention; because it’s a new sport, because people don’t want to be associated with Harry Potter; and some people are not really keen on putting a stick in between their legs.
“I’m actually not a Harry Potter fan. I only started watching the movies after playing the game! When we get together for training, we don’t even talk about Harry Potter. We just focus on the game,” Andrew told FourthOfficial.
With 7 players on each side, the game usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Just like the movie, the game end when the seeker catches the stitch. In this context, the stitch will be a player in yellow shorts, with the ball attached to the back of him. No pushing or grabbing is allowed, just find a way to get the ball.
But how do we know the rules?
There’s an official rulebook for quidditch from the US, which is followed by most teams around the world. There will be an international rulebook soon, so every country all around the world play by the same rules, just like football.
And here’s the most interesting thing about quidditch: The teams have to be of mixed gender. Andrew tells us that you can’t have a team with all boys or all girls, or even all transgender.
“Quidditch encourages inclusivity, and this is in the rulebook. Girls and guys are treated the same.”
We couldn’t help but to ask Andrew if we can play quidditch without the stick.
“If you don’t run with a stick, just might as well play rugby lah! [laughs]. Some people are concerned about safety aspect because of the sticks, but they’re all PVC so it’s fine. Also, brooms are expensive!”
Apart from trainings and tournaments, the Damansara Dementors also rent out their quidditch equipment and organise games for team building and parties. They also conduct training in some schools, and it’s a hit among the kids!
So… how can I join? What if I never played before?
“Our team is a very friendly community. Of course, first timers have a hard time keeping a straight face, they end up laughing while running around. But it’s fine, we want everyone to have fun, and it’s a great sport!”
The Damansara Dementors train at Jalan BU/4, near Central Park in Bandar Utama around 4.30 pm every Sunday. Feel free to drop by.
There is also a tournament happening this Saturday, it’s not too late to sign up!
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