Young athletes to the fore: Singapore to field 551 debutants at SEA Games
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From left: Singapore flag bearers Noah Lim and Yeo Jia Min, SEA Games chef de mission Lawrence Leow, Singapore National Olympic Council president Grace Fu, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, Asean Para Games chef de mission Gary Chong and Singapore flag bearer Joan Hung.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Follow topic:
- Singapore sends its largest SEA Games contingent ever to Thailand, with 930 athletes across 48 sports, including a record 551 debutants.
- Veterans like Shanti Pereira and Soh Rui Yong join newcomers such as Maximilian Maeder, while Noah Lim and Yeo Jia Min will be flag bearers.
- 41 athletes will represent Singapore in 11 sports at the Asean Para Games, with Joan Hung as flag bearer, aiming to grow the para-sports movement.
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SINGAPORE – Not only will Singapore be fielding its largest-ever contingent for the Dec 9-20 SEA Games in Thailand, but it will also notch another milestone with the biggest number of debutants at the biennial event.
On Nov 8, the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) confirmed the squad of 930 athletes across 48 sports, which includes 551 first-timers – more than double the 260 who competed in the last edition in Cambodia in 2023.
Singapore’s chef de mission for the Games, Lawrence Leow, said that blooding more newcomers can only bode well for the future, particularly with the nation set to host the multi-sport event in 2029.
Speaking to the media during the SEA Games and Asean Para Games (APG) flag presentation ceremony at Dunman High School on Nov 8, the Singapore Badminton Association president said: “Involving debutants is definitely a very good strategy.
“It will be good for Singapore for the 2029 SEA Games when we play host. By that time, our debutants would have had four more years of exposure and experience, not forgetting that we would have taken part in the 2027 SEA Games and that would enhance our medal hopes.
“I expect all the athletes to be trying their best, to work very hard. And vying for medals is, of course, one of the expectations.
“But, more importantly to me, if every athlete can outperform their personal targets, that will be better.”
SNOC president Grace Fu said in her speech: “Each edition of the Games brings with it a renewed sense of pride, purpose and unity.
“And this year, that spirit shines (brighter) than ever, because Singapore will be fielding our largest-ever contingent at the SEA Games.
“This milestone reflects not only the growing depth and diversity of Singapore sport, but also the unwavering commitment of our athletes, our coaches and national sports associations, who collectively in the sports community have worked so tirelessly to reach this level.”
Debutante Avril Tan, who is part of the women’s floorball team gunning for gold, will savour her moment in national colours.
The 22-year-old said: “Growing up, I’ve always watched the SEA Games and players across different sports.
“(It) is something to be proud of, to be able to don the national jersey at the Games – one of the most prestigious major events for Singapore.
“On my personal end, because this is my first major Games, I just want to be able to put up my best performance, play confidently and maybe even get my first international gold.”
Other newcomers like Maximilian Maeder, while only 19, already have a collection of major trophies.
The kitefoiler, who has an Olympic bronze
The 930-member contingent will include veterans like four-gold sprint queen Shanti Pereira, who is aiming to retain her 100m and 200m double
Also expected to lead the charge for the athletics squad is distance runner Soh Rui Yong, a two-time gold medallist in the marathon in 2015 and 2017, who is gunning to upgrade his 10,000m silver medal in this edition. The 34-year-old won an appeal in August to join the team
Team Singapore will be led by two flag bearers, ju-jitsu exponent Noah Lim and badminton player Yeo Jia Min, who are competing in their fourth and sixth SEA Games respectively.
Singapore National Olympic Council president Grace Fu (sixth from left) and Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo (seventh from left) with flag bearers and the SEA Games and Asean Para Games contingents.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Lim, who won a silver at the Ju-Jitsu World Championships
“From the underdog, I’m now the reigning champion, so there’s a lot more pressure on myself…
“I don’t want to relax. I want to keep pushing harder and want to do my best and hopefully bring home some medals.”
Women’s singles world No. 19 Yeo, who has five SEA Games bronzes, said: “It’s a really new experience and I’m really very honoured. I do feel that newer sense of responsibility, upholding conduct and values for representing Singapore and I can’t wait.
“I’ve been to the SEA Games a few times and I know the kind of pressure that I’ll face…
“I’ve yet to win a gold medal for Singapore, so I really am trying to aim for that and trying to prepare as best as I can this month.”
Singapore will be represented by 41 athletes in 11 sports at the Asean Para Games from Jan 20 to 26.
The contingent will be led by chef de mission Gary Chong, who is a board member of the Singapore National Paralympic Council and Singapore Disability Sports Council.
APG flag bearer Joan Hung, who won a silver in goalball at the 2022 edition, will feature in para-judo.
On being selected as the flag bearer, Hung, who is visually impaired, added: “I think it’s pretty special, because this is my first time. So it’s pretty awesome that I get to fly the flag, especially after my switch in sport.
“It kind of signifies moving into something new. And hopefully it can grow the (para-sport) movement here in Singapore.”
