Canoeing

ST More than Grades

Paddling through loss: National canoeist’s passion endures despite dad’s death during O-level exams

ST20251127-202599800141-Lim Yaohui-Elisha Tushara-etjovi/

Mr Jovi Jayden Kalaichelvan, 24, national kayaker, in front of Water Sports Centre on Nov 27, 2025.

In 2017, national kayaker Jovi Jayden Kalaichelvan lost his father on the morning of his O-Level exam and, soon after, his cousin. These tragedies, compounded by financial struggles, derailed his academic performance and forced sport to the sidelines. Over time, however, canoeing, which was introduced to him in secondary school and once encouraged by his late father, became a source of stability as he rebuilt his life. The resilience he developed through sport now drives both his sporting goals - aiming for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics while juggling a punishing training schedule. He also has a long-term dream of becoming a pilot, a passion sparked during National Service. Despite uncertainties ahead, he hopes to stay connected to kayaking even after his competitive career ends.

For More Than Grades series.

(ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

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LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman attends a press conference held by the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 14, 2024. REUTERS/Daniel Cole

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Paddlers at the Singapore Country of Origin (COO) outrigger canoe race on June 28 2025. This year's race brought together paddlers from twelve nations together to compete.

Credit: Noémie Vogels

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dgcanoe20 - Stephenie Chen won a silver and bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Canoe Sprint Championships in Nanching, China.

Credit: Singapore Canoe Federation

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.