Close to 1,200 athletes from 10 South-east Asian nations are competing at the 8th Asean Para Games in Singapore. Get to know the foreign athletes better as The Straits Times picks out one every day.

Today: Malaysian boccia player (BC2) Lee Chee Hoong

Age: 42

Disability: Cerebral palsy

Q Who is your favourite athlete and why?

A Badminton player Lee Chong Wei. He came back this year to beat Chen Long and Lin Dan, and showed that, no matter what, it's always possible to beat your rivals.

Q What is your impression of Singapore?

A Everyone is very friendly and the organisers are doing an excellent job of hosting the Games.

Q What is the biggest challenge of playing boccia?

A You need momentum and good strategy to win.

Q What other para sport do you want to watch this week and why?

A I want to watch badminton but I don't have time. I need to study other boccia matches and prepare.

Q What is your favourite food back home and why?

A Wanton mee. I love eating char siew (roast pork).

Q What would you like to receive as a Christmas present this year?

A If I win gold, that would be the best gift.

Q Who are your personal heroes and why?

A My parents. They've sacrificed a lot of time for me.

Q If you could have a superpower for a day, what would it be and why?

A I want to turn back time to when I was still a baby, before the high fever that caused my condition.

Q Do you have any pre-game ritual?

A I always pray.

Q What is your proudest achievement so far?

A In 2009, I beat Karen Kwok, the 2008 Paralympic champion.

Q What is your wish for the APG?

A For the Malaysian contingent to meet its target and win more than 50 gold medals.