The Singapore Floorball Association (SFA) completed a landmark achievement when the finalists of the Singapore Sports Awards were released yesterday, as its women's national team were named the Team of the Year (team sports).

Aside from the pair of SEA Games gold medals they won in 2015, this represents the SFA's biggest accolade since it was established in 1995.

The only nominees for the award, the team were cited for their successful World Floorball Championships qualifying campaign in February last year. They eventually finished last at the 16-team tournament in Slovakia last December.

Women's national coach Louise Khng said: "I'm very happy that the team won this prestigious sports award... we are very grateful to the SNOC (Singapore National Olympic Council), Sport Singapore and our sponsors for sticking with us; the support has been immense and very beneficial for the team.

"The award is definitely icing on the cake - it shows that the players are recognised for their effort and commitment - and only the start of something better for our team."

Swimmer Joseph Schooling, 23, could win a record-extending fifth Sportsman of the Year gong at next Wednesday's ceremony at Marina Bay Sands. He was victorious in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Swimmer Ang Peng Siong is the only other athlete to claim the award thrice in a row (1983-1985).

Nominated alongside Schooling are wushu exponent Jowen Lim and cyclist Calvin Sim.

Lim won the changquan and daoshu/gunshu gold medals at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, while Sim won the Republic's first men's cycling gold in 20 years at the same Games when he won the men's omnium.

Feng Tianwei (table tennis), Shayna Ng (bowling) and Jasmine Ser (shooting) are Sportswoman of the Year nominees.

Also, under the new Sports Journalist of the Year category, The Straits Times' Lim Say Heng and Shamir Osman are among the five nominees. The others are Duncan Elias (Eleven Sports), Kenneth Tan (FourFourTwo) and Low Lin Fhoong (Today).

Separately, Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on Monday that Hanoi will host the 2021 SEA Games and Asean Para Games, to be held between October and December.

This will be the second time that Vietnam will host the SEA Games; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City hosted the biennial Games in 2003.

SNOC secretary-general Chris Chan said: "Vietnam were good hosts and showed a lot of enthusiasm in organising the 2003 SEA Games. They will definitely be very keen to showcase what the country has to offer in terms of facilities, infrastructure as well as to field a strong national team at the 2021 Games."

The Philippines will host the next SEA Games from Nov 30-Dec 10 next year, as well as the APG in January 2020.