Newly appointed International Tchoukball Federation president Delane Lim targets the Olympics

SINGAPORE – In his eight years at the helm of the Tchoukball Association of Singapore (TBAS), Delane Lim notched a number of milestones – securing national sports association status for the TBAS; having the national women’s team reach world No. 1 in 2023; and expanding its reach here.

After a successful stint, the 40-year-old is moving on to the global stage after he was elected unopposed as president of the International Tchoukball Federation (FITB) on Aug 6.

The first Singaporean to assume the top post, Lim takes over from Taiwanese Chris Huang, who served from 2009 to 2017 and 2021 to 2025 – the latter’s compatriot Fang Shen-szu was president from 2017 to 2021.

Lim said: “This campaign was never about positions, it was about purpose. The world wants a stronger, more inclusive FITB, one that represents and empowers all nations, athletes and communities.”

One of his first tasks is to set up an athletes’ commission, as Lim noted that “we need to have policies that help to develop the athletes, look at their well-being and have policies to safeguard them”.

Two other Singaporeans were also appointed to the federation’s international executive committee for a four-year term. National women’s team captain Tan Wan Ying will serve as treasurer, while Liao Jian Xiong will be in charge of the coaching curriculum.

The federation’s headquarters will be relocated from Chinese Taipei to Singapore, and it will occupy the same office as TBAS.

Lim has since stepped down as president of TBAS but will remain as its secretary, with Ho Kim Long serving as acting president till the next election in 2029.

Ho said: “During his tenure, Delane has laid a solid foundation for tchoukball in Singapore, contributing significantly to its governance structure, resource acquisition, international influence and the development of the sport.

“I will continue to build on these achievements and identify new opportunities for collaboration and sustainable growth. Delane will remain involved in the development of the sport in Singapore in an advisory role, providing guidance and support.”

After taking on the sport’s top job, Lim is eyeing more competitions for tchoukball. He is keen on starting club leagues in Singapore and plans to have continental championships in the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Europe for the youth and open categories.

He is also looking at support for disability tchoukball, gender equity and inclusion initiatives, reduced tournament fees and new funding models.

Newly elected FITB general secretary Briton Richard Jackson said on social media: “We have a powerful mix of youth and experience, excited to serve our wonderful community under the guidance and leadership of Delane Lim, our new president.

“Delane is the real deal – a hugely experienced, competent and decent leader who I know will inspire our wider family across the world.”

And Lim hopes to inspire the community by setting his sights on his ultimate goal, the Olympics.

He said: “Any aspiring sport will want to reach the Olympics. So that, to me, is the final destination.

“Before we reach the final destination, I need to make sure that countries are lobbying for tchoukball to be in their own major Games. It could be at the Asia-Pacific level, it could be the regional Games like the SEA Games or the Asian Games.

“The Olympics are a high order. Many sports will want to be part of the Olympics. We need to know it may not be in my term of office, but at the end of the day, I hope that whoever takes over from me (in future), we will know that we are nearer to the end destination.”