SINGAPORE - They do not get paid to represent Singapore but a team of self-funded athletes have formed the Republic's largest contingent so far to participate in next month's Asia Oceania Powerlifting Championships.
Singapore will be represented by 15 athletes at the Dec 5 to 10 meet in Christchurch, New Zealand, where they will be looking to return with more medals than last year.
At last year's edition in Tashkent, a five-member contingent won seven golds, four silvers and three bronzes.
President of Powerlifting Singapore, Zulhairy Zolkaffeli, said the size of the contingent reflects a growth in popularity and interest in the sport.
He said: "It is a good sign that athletes are willing to put in the effort and the money, as all the athletes are self-funded."
Powerlifting Singapore was registered as a society in 2014 and it is recognised by the International Powerlifting Federation.
The first powerlifting meet in Singapore was held in 2011, which saw only 13 participants. Today, about 400 enthusiasts are actively involved in the sport.
Spectators from Singapore who are interested to watch the competition Live can stream it online at http://goodlift.info/live.php.
Team Powerlifting (Singapore) athletes for the Asia/Oceania Powerlifting Championships:
Lee Layteng (U-52 Women's Open), Tue 6 Dec 0630 hrs (SGT)
Aleen Tan (U-57 Women's Junior) Tue 6 Dec 1300 hrs (SGT)
Daphne Loo (U-57 Women's Open) Tue 6 Dec 1300 hrs (SGT)
Saudi Tan Sze Yin (U-72 Women's Open) Wed 7 Dec 0800 hrs (SGT)
Matthew Yap (U-66 Men's Sub Junior) Thu 8 Dec 0400 hrs (SGT)
Gary Lim (U-74 Men's Sub Junior) Thu 8 Dec 0830 hrs (SGT)
Christophe Ang (U-74 Men's Junior) Thu 8 Dec 0830 hrs (SGT)
Gabriel Tan (U-74 Men's Junior) Thu 8 Dec 0830 hrs (SGT)
Koh Kai Wei (U-83 Men's Sub Junior) Thu 8 Dec 1230 hrs (SGT)
Clinton Lee (U-83 Men's Junior) Thu 8 Dec 1230 hrs (SGT)
Billy Feng Koo Wei (U-93 Men's Sub Junior) Fri 9 Dec 0400 hrs (SGT)
Laval Tan (U-105 Men's Sub Junior) Fri 9 Dec 0700 hrs (SGT)
Han Xingjian (U-105 Men's Junior) Fri 9 Dec 0700 hrs (SGT)
Marcus Yap (U-59 Men's Open) Fri 9 Dec 1300 hrs (SGT)
Kelvin Yeoh Han Pin (U-74 Men's Open) Sat 10 Dec 0400 hrs (SGT)
