Yip Pin Xiu gets $800k for 2 Paralympic golds; cash reward doubled as DBS named new sponsor Yip Pin Xiu gets $800k for 2 Paralympic golds; cash reward doubled as DBS named new sponsor, Sport News & Top Stories - The Straits Times Paralympian Yip Pin Xiu receiving cheques during the Athletics Achievement Awards & Appreciation Ceremony at One Farrer Hotel on Oct 16, 2021.ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Sazali Abdul Aziz Correspondent PUBLISHED OCT 16, 2021, 4:00 PM SGT FACEBOOKTWITTER SINGAPORE - DBS Bank has thrown its weight behind national para athletes by becoming a sponsor in the Athletes Achievement Awards (AAA). Its involvement in the award scheme, which is managed by the Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC), was announced at this year's AAA & Appreciation Ceremony on Saturday (Oct 16) at the One Farrer Hotel. It comes on the back of a spirited public debate about disparity in cash incentives, with swimmer Yip Pin Xiu due to earn a $200,000 reward for each of the two gold medals she won at the Tokyo Paralympics, a fifth of the payout for an Olympic gold. Swimmer Joseph Schooling earned $1 million when he won a historic gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. DBS will match the AAA scheme supported by primary sponsor Tote Board, and the initial commitment will span two Paralympic Games cycles until the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. This meant that Ms Yip, 29, who won the women's S2 50m and 100m backstroke in Tokyo, received $800,000 at Saturday's ceremony. Under the AAA scheme, 20 per cent of the total cash award will go to the Singapore Disability Sports Council and SNPC to help fund future training and development, as well as support Singapore's participation at major competitions. Ms Yip said: "Representing Singapore at the highest level is a privilege and to have won two gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is testament to the hard work that the team and I have put in. "I am glad that Singapore is taking active steps towards achieving parity for the cash quantum, and this is a step in the right direction. I have set my eyes on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and will continue to train hard." DBS Singapore group executive and country head Shee Tse Koon said the bank "readily agreed" to come on board as a sponsor for the programme when approached by the SNPC, "All of us can do our part to create a more inclusive Singapore, he said. "As a Singapore brand, we also believe in supporting and nurturing home-grown talent. In addition, Singapore's para-athletes exemplify a strong sense of purpose, passion and excellence - values that all of us in Team DBS share. "It is our privilege to come alongside them in their journey, and to celebrate their hard-fought and well-deserved achievements." At the ceremony on Saturday, SNPC also honoured all Team Singapore athletes who competed in Tokyo. The Republic had sent 10 athletes, who participated in 18 events across six sports and achieved seven personal bests, five new national records and two season bests. In total, Singapore achieved 13 top 10 finishes. Minister Edwin Tong (right) poses for a wefie with paralympian Yip Pin Xiu and her coach Mark Chay following the ceremony at One Farrer Hotel on Oct 16, 2021. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH MORE ON THIS TOPIC Paralympic medallist Yip Pin Xiu, fraternity call for monetary rewards to be on a par with Olympians[/paste:font] Sporting Life: Paralympian Yip Pin Xiu has earned respect and deserves parity[/paste:font] SNPC president Teo-Koh Sock Miang said: "We welcome DBS Bank and we thank them for rising to the occasion and joining us on our journey ahead. "We are excited about our athletes' continued success on the international stage. The SNPC is thankful to the Tote Board, DBS Bank and many other stakeholders as partners in sport. "The accomplishments of our Team Singapore athletes at the Tokyo Paralympic Games have cheered and inspired Singaporeans from all walks of life "I thank SNPC and the corporate sponsors for supporting our Paralympians wholeheartedly in their sporting journey and recognising their achievements unequivocally." After her wins in Tokyo, Ms Yip and other members of the para-sports fraternity had called for parity in the amounts of cash incentives for medallists at the Paralympics. Swimmer Yip Pin Xiu after coming in first in the women's S2 50m backstroke event during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo on Sept 2, 2021. PHOTO: AFP This was echoed by former diplomat Tommy Koh in an opinion piece published in The Straits Times. The topic also evoked a strong response from Singaporeans, who shared their views on the ST Forum page and on social media, with some opposing the call for equal cash rewards on the basis of the narrower field of competition. Some MPs had also inquired about this disparity. On Oct 5, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said in Parliament that the SNPC was in discussions with potential sponsors on increasing the cash rewards within the AAA framework. Mr Tong also announced then that Ms Yip would become the inaugural recipient of the President's Award for Inspiring Achievement. How much S'pore athletes get at major Games With DBS Bank joining the Tote Board as a sponsor of the Athletes Achievement Awards (AAA), the cash incentives for athletes at major para-events will increase though they will still be less than what their able-bodied counterparts will get for gold medals. Both groups also have to give 20 per cent of this monetary reward to their respective associations to help fund future training and development. Olympics: $1,000,000 (no additional payout for subsequent gold medals) Paralympics: $400,000* Asian Games: $200,000 for first gold, $100,000 for second, none for third. Asian Para Games: $70,000* Commonwealth Games: $40,000 for an able-bodied athlete (up to two golds) and $40,000 for a para-athlete* SEA Games: $10,000 for first gold, $5,000 each for a second and third gold. Asean Para Games: $4,000* *Under the AAA framework, para-athletes are entitled to rewards for a maximum of three golds at all major Games. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Yip Pin Xiu to be conferred inaugural President's Award for Inspiring Achievement[/paste:font] Podcast: Yip Pin Xiu on Olympics and Paralympics prize money disparity debate[/paste:font]
Golf: Singapore to send big team of 11 for Asia-Pacific Amateur C'ships in Dubai Golf: Singapore to send big team of 11 for Asia-Pacific Amateur C'ships in Dubai, Golf News & Top Stories - The Straits Times The squad includes male players (clockwise from top left) James Leow, Wong Qi Wen, Brandon Han and Justin Kuk.PHOTOS: LIANHE ZAOBAO, IMG ACADEMY, SINGAPORE GOLF ASSOCIATION, YOUTH GOLF PROGRAMME Godfrey Robert PUBLISHED OCT 20, 2021, 2:20 PM SGT FACEBOOKTWITTER SINGAPORE - Major winners Hideki Matsuyama, Yuka Saso and Patty Tavatanakit have one thing in common. All three graduated from competing in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships (AAC) to striking it big in the "Slams" to underline the belief that the continental event is a perfect platform from which to launch one's career to the golfing stratosphere. Sharing this belief, the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) grabbed every opportunity to ensure sending a large team through invitation based on world rankings to this year's AAC events in the United Arab Emirates next month. Said SGA acting general manager Joshua Ho: "During a period of fewer opportunities for our national players to compete, it is good to give them exposure. The players will benefit greatly from the AAC and the WAAP (women's event)." The Republic will send six players from here and welcome five from the United States, pitting their leading players against the continent's best. The squad comprises male players James Leow, Wong Qi Wen, Justin Kuk and Brandon Han, and female players Shannon Tan, Jaymie Ng, Hailey Loh, Shang Yu, Shayne Lim, Yoko Tai and Aloysa Atienza. The Nov 3-6 men's event will be held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. The women's version is at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club from Nov 10-13. Leow, 24, a senior at the Arizona State University who won this year's Southwestern Amateur title and is the reigning SEA Games champion, said: "It's been an up-and-down year for me with injuries and mental struggles. "But I have had some really solid rounds. I competed in the AAC in 2015, 2016 and 2019, and my best finish was tied-fifth two years ago." AAC debutant Kuk, 20, is looking to take his game to the next level in Dubai. Currently Singapore's top-ranked player after winning three national ranking games, he said: "I've been training hard and am looking forward to comparing my game to one of the strongest fields in the Asia-Pacific." National coach Matt Ballard, who will accompany the teams, said: "While we have experienced players who will be eager to contend, we also have some debutants who are looking forward eagerly to this major event. "In the lead-up to the events, we have been placing added emphasis on sharpening their scoring abilities by increasing the intensity of on-course and short-game sessions." The AAC, cancelled last year due to the pandemic, was established in 2009 to further develop amateur golf in the region. The champion receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament and the British Open, while the runner(s)-up gain a place in final qualifying for the British Open. The AAC has served as a springboard to fame for some of the world's top players, including Matsuyama, a two-time winner in 2010 and 2011. The Japanese won this year's Masters. The inaugural women's version was held in Sentosa Golf Club in 2018. Among its alumni are Thailand's Tavatanakit, 22, who claimed victory at the ANA Inspiration in April, and Saso, 20, of the Philippines, who won the US Women's Open in June. Shannon Tan, 17, recently gained a full scholarship to play NCAA Div 1 with Texas Tech University. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Singapore's roster features the in-form Shannon, 17, who recently gained a full scholarship to play NCAA Div 1 with Texas Tech University. Last month, she was invited to play in the Hana Financial Group Championship, a professional event, in South Korea. California Baptist University student Hailey Loh, 18, who competed in 2019, hopes that her experience in Japan will come in useful this time. Buoyed by tied-fourth and tied-14th finishes in recent college tournaments, she said: "I'm looking forward to competing on the international stage again and just showing everyone what I can achieve."
Wolves defender Harry Birtwistle's application to renounce his S'pore citizenship rejected Harry Birtwistle was born in Singapore and resided here until he was 13 in 2017.PHOTO: HARRY BIRTWISTLE/INSTAGRAM Sazali Abdul Aziz Correspondent PUBLISHED 9 HOURS AGO FACEBOOKTWITTER SINGAPORE - Harry Birtwistle, the young Singapore-born footballer who on Wednesday (Oct 27) signed professional terms with English Premier League (EPL) club Wolverhampton Wanderers, is abroad without a valid exit permit and has applied to renounce his citizenship, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Friday (Oct 29). In response to queries, a Mindef spokesman said that he is a Singapore citizen who had stayed in Singapore and also carried a Singapore passport. "Mr Birtwistle's parents applied to renounce his Singapore citizenship," added the spokesman. "His applications were rejected as renunciation should not be used as a means to evade NS (national service) duties. In his family's correspondences with Mindef, they had stated that Birtwistle will not be registering for NS. "Since then, Mr Birtwistle has failed to register for NS as required. He is also staying overseas without a valid exit permit. Mr Birtwistle has committed offences under the Enlistment Act." Birtwistle, whose mother is Singaporean Chinese and whose father is British, was born in Singapore and resided here until he was 13, before moving to England in 2017 to chase his dream of becoming an EPL player. He signed a scholarship with Wolves shortly after. The defender, who turns 18 in December, had told The Straits Times in a Zoom interview on Wednesday that he was "open to anything" when it came to the topic of representing Singapore - which would mean he has to give up his British passport and enlist for NS - but was "100 per cent focused" on making the grade at Wolves at present. This season, Birtwistle has mainly featured for Wolves' Under-23 team that plays in the Premier League 2, and according to the Wolves website, he has appeared in seven games out of nine this season, playing 499 minutes. He has also been invited up to train with the Wolves first team "about once or twice a week" since the season began in August, frequently rubbing shoulders with seasoned professionals and internationals. Coached by Portuguese Bruno Lage, the Wolves are 11th in the 20-team EPL after 10 games. Birtwistle told ST that he wished to return to the Republic this Christmas, where his mother and siblings live, and that "Singapore's all I knew", but Mindef's announcement now puts a question mark over his plans. Birtwistle's situation mirrors that of Ben Davis, another footballer playing professionally in England. Davis, now 20, was born in Phuket to a Thai mother and an English father and moved to Singapore with his family at the age of five before becoming a citizen four years later. He went on to represent Singapore at the Under-16 and U-19 levels, and received a call-up to the senior national team but did not take to the pitch. Birtwistle's first goal! | Wolves 23s 1-0 Nottingham Forest | PL2 Highlights MORE ON THIS TOPIC Wolves defender Birtwistle, 17, 'so honoured' to be first S'pore-born player in EPL[/paste:font] National athletes and NS: Not 'game over' for all[/paste:font] Four months after the Lions call-up, he signed professional terms with Fulham, where he had been on a scholarship since July 2017, becoming the first Singaporean to do so with a top-tier English club. The following day, Mindef announced the rejection of his application for long-term deferment from NS. In February 2019, Mindef confirmed that Davis did not report for NS as required and had thus defaulted on his NS commitments. It added that he is also staying overseas without a valid exit permit. As such, he is liable upon conviction to a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both. He later switched his international allegiance to Thailand, and in August signed for English third-tier side Oxford United. MORE ON THIS TOPIC NS deferment: It's all about equity[/paste:font] Sporting excellence and NS: Abiding principles for rite of passage for Singaporean sons[/paste:font]
Singapore teenage paddler Zhou Jingyi wins WTT U-17 girls' title in Hungary Singapore's teenage paddler Zhou Jingyi with the WTT Youth Contender Szombathely Under-17 girls' trophy.PHOTO: SINGAPORE TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION Nov 07, 2021 10:06 am Singapore youth paddler Zhou Jingyi claimed the Under-17 girls' singles title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender Szombathely in Hungary with a 3-1 (11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9) win over Yashaswini Deepak Ghorpade of India on Saturday. Ghorpade had earlier thwarted hopes of an all-Singaporean final by defeating Ser Lin Qian in the semi-finals. Ser's joint-third placing comes after finishing runner-up in the U-15 category of last week's WTT Youth Contender Senec in Slovakia. In Slovakia last week, Zhou, 16, had finished second in the U-19 and U-17 categories, with Ghorpade pipping her to the U-17 title then. Zhou told the WTT website: “Her playing style was a rare one. There were a lot of hard touches with the pimples, so I had to keep my patience and not rush the points. "I knew what I was up against, so we made strategies against her. I have also been training against this type of playing style lately, but there are only a few players who play this way back home. "My first goal is to perform as well as possible in the Under-19 category. In terms of the long-term future, I would like to keep up my training and become one of the best players.” TEAM SINGAPORE S'pore's Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jia Min in BWF Super 500 final for the first time Nov 07, 2021 Related Stories Izaac Quek, 15, wins U-19 title in Hungary Loh Kean Yew continues giant-slaying act in Europe Singapore's Loh Kean Yew defeats world No. 4 Chou Tien-chen Zhou's victory comes following several achievements by her compatriots. Last week, 15-year-old Izaac Quek smashed his way to his second title in consecutive weeks as he won the WTT Youth Contender Szombathely U-19 boys’ singles title, adding to the U-15 boys’ singles crown he won at the WTT Youth Contender Lignano in Italy. Senior players Zeng Jian and Lin Ye also finished joint-third in the women’s doubles event at WTT Contender Lasko in Slovenia. The duo defeated Romania's Bernadette Szocs and Andreea Dradoman 3-2 in the quarter-finals, but lost 3-1 to Adriana Diaz and Melanie Diaz of Puerto Rico in the semis.
Izaac Quek, 15, wins U-19 title in Hungary Nov 05, 2021 06:00 am Singapore's Izaac Quek , 15, won the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender Szombathely Under-19 boys' singles title in Hungary on Wednesday against a rival three years older than him. Izaac, who is ranked world No. 64, defeated Czech Republic's 25th-ranked Adam Stalzer 3-2 (6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9), to add to last week's U-15 boys' singles title at the WTT Youth Contender Lignano in Italy.
Shayna Ng clinches gold at IBF Super World Championships, beating compatriot Cherie Tan Chia Han Keong ·Editor Sat, November 13, 2021, 3:48 PM·1 min read Singapore bowlers Shayna Ng wins the IBF Super World Championships women's singles gold. (PHOTO: StrikeCloud Bowling) SINGAPORE — Singapore national bowler Shayna Ng clinched the women's singles gold medal at the International Bowling Federation (IBF) Super World Championships in Dubai on Friday (12 November), after defeating compatriot Cherie Tan in the final. Ng, 32, came through in a tight final with her long-time teammate. She won the first game by 234-215 pinfalls, but 33-year-old Tan clinched the second 226-206, resulting in a a ninth and 10th frame roll-off, which Ng won 49-27. “It’s our first major since 2019 so we are very glad to finish first and second, it’s a great result for Singapore," Ng said after her win. Ng had a tough semi-final match-up against Sofia Rodriguez, eventually pipping the Guatemalan 216-203, while Tan had a more comfortable passage into the final as she defeated Canada's Sarah Klassen 246-193. Ng and her national bowling teammates are also in contention in the mixed team event, as both Singapore teams advanced to the matchplay rounds on Friday. The first team comprising Tan, Ng, Darren Ong and Cheah Ray Han came in fourth in the 46-team qualifiers, while New Hui Fen, Iliya Syamim, Jonovan Neo and Joel Tan placed eighth. Meanwhile, Tan, Ng, New and Iliya have also guaranteed Singapore at least a bronze medal in the women’s trios event, where they will face South Korea in the semi-finals.
WEEKLY ROUND-UP: Sports happenings in Singapore (25-31 Oct) Staff Writer, Singapore ·Editorial Team November 1, 2021·5 min read Singapore pool player Aloysius Yapp reaches world No.1. (PHOTO: Facebook/Absolute Pool) SINGAPORE — Here is a round-up of sports events and developments in Singapore in the past week (25-31 October): Aloysius Yapp is 1st Singaporean to become world No.1 pool player Singapore pool player Aloysius Yapp had a week of mixed fortunes - becoming the first Singaporean to reach world No.1 status in the World Pool-Billiard Association rankings on Monday (25 October), but then crashing out of the International 9-Ball Open competition in Virginia on Wednesday. Yapp, 25, reached the top of the rankings following stellar recent form, finishing third at the World 10-ball Championship in Las Vegas, second at the US Open 9-ball Championship in Atlantic City, and finally winning the Michigan Open - all achieved in September. The achievements allowed him to overtake American Shane Van Boening in the world rankings. However, in his first competition as the world No.1, Yapp lost 10-4 to Austria's world No.3 Maximillian Lechner missing out on a place in the round of 32 of the International 9-Ball Open. Michelle Sng rewrites national high jump record with 1.86m clearance Singapore high jumper Michelle Sng rewrote her national women's record of 1.84m, after she cleared 1.86m at a Singapore Athletics Performance Trial meet at the Home of Athletics in Kallang on Saturday (30 October). This is the fourth time Sng has rewritten the national record. In 2006, she broke Yu Long Nyu's 13-year-old mark of 1.74m with a 1.78m effort, then bettered it with a 1.80m jump two months later. She had to wait until 2015 for the next improvement when she cleared 1.84m in a Philippines meet. Together with the national record, the 34-year-old met the qualification marks for all three major Games in 2022 - the SEA Games in May, the Commonwealth Games in July, and the Asian Games in September.
Bowling: S'pore secures medal in the women's trios at IBF Super World C'ships (From left) National bowlers New Hui Fen, Cherie Tan, Iliya Syamim and Shayna Ng.PHOTO: SINGAPORE BOWLING FEDERATION Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED NOV 12, 2021, 10:34 AM SGT FACEBOOKTWITTER SINGAPORE - National bowlers Cherie Tan, New Hui Fen, Shayna Ng and Iliya Syamim have secured another medal for Singapore at the International Bowling Federation Super World Championships after qualifying for the semi-finals of the women's trios on Thursday (Nov 11). The Republic's team beat Malaysia's Siti Safiyah, Natasha Roslan, Faten Najihah and Nur Syazwani Sahar 254-203 in the quarter-finals at the Dubai International Bowling Centre to set up a clash with South Korea in the semi-finals on Sunday. Teams are allowed to field up to four players in their line-ups, even though this is a trios event. The other semi-final will feature Guatemala and Colombia, with the winners of each match progressing to the final. The losing semi-finalists will be awarded bronze medals as there is no play-off for third place. Tan and Ng are also guaranteed medals in the women's singles and will compete in the semi-finals on Friday. In the men's trios, Darren Ong, Jomond Chia, Jonovan Neo and Cheah Ray Han made it to the match play round but did not progress to the quarter-finals.
Bowling: Singapore men beat Philippines to make first-ever world c'ship final National bowlers (from left) Cheah Ray Han, Darren Ong, Jomond Chia and Jonovan Neo.PHOTO: SINGAPORE BOWLING FEDERATION/FACEBOOK Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED NOV 15, 2021, 11:02 PM SGT FACEBOOKTWITTER SINGAPORE - The Republic's male bowlers have qualified for their first-ever appearance in a World Championship final. Cheah Ray Han, Jonovan Neo, Darren Ong and Jomond Chia beat the Philippines 247-228 in the men's team semi-final at the International Bowling Federation Super World Championships in Dubai on Monday (Nov 15). They will face South Korea in the final later on Monday. The team had recorded a 257-215 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals earlier in the day. But the mighty women's team comprising singles champion Shayna Ng, 2019 World Bowling Athlete of the Year Cherie Tan, triple SEA Games gold medallist New Hui Fen and Iliya Syamim saw their run end in the matchplay round after they finished third in their group. Ng, Tan, Ong and Cheah will also be competing in the mixed team event after booking their spot in the semi-finals with a 238-200 victory over Malaysia in the quarter-finals on Sunday. They will play the United States for a place in the final. The previous best finish by the country's male bowlers on the global stage came in the 2018 World Bowling Men's Championships, where they clinched a historic bronze medal. Ong and Neo were part of that team together with Basil Ng, Keith Saw, Jaris Goh and reserve Joel Tan. Ong was also in the team that ended Singapore's 22-year wait for a men's team bowling gold at the SEA Games in 2017, along with Cheah, Timothy Tham, Ng, Goh and Saw. Chia, who is making his World Championship debut, has enjoyed his own success at the youth level, winning two gold medals at the 2019 Asian Youth Championships. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Bowling: S'pore earn men's team medal at IBF Super World C'ships, also in mixed team semis[/paste:font] Bowling: S'pore joint bronze medallists in women's trios at IBF Super World C'ships[/paste:font]
Bowling: Singapore men clinch historic silver medal at the IBF Super World C'ships National bowlers (from left) Jonovan Neo, Darren Ong, Cheah Ray Han and Jomond Chia.PHOTO: SINGAPORE BOWLING FEDERATION/FACEBOOK Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED NOV 16, 2021, 2:56 AM SGT FACEBOOKTWITTER SINGAPORE - The Republic's male bowlers bagged a historic silver medal at the International Bowling Federation (IBF) Super World Championships in Dubai after losing to South Korea in the two-game men's team final on Monday (Nov 15). Cheah Ray Han, Jonovan Neo, Darren Ong and Jomond Chia, who are Singapore's first men's team to qualify for a World Championship final, struggled to find their momentum in the opening game at the Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub in Expo 2020 Dubai, which they eventually lost 196-136. The quartet put in an improved performance in the second game, but fell short against South Korea's Kang Heewon, Ji Geun, Go Jae-kyeok and Ka Soo-hyeong, who won 248-198. Earlier on Monday, the women's team comprising singles champion Shayna Ng, 2019 World Bowling Athlete of the Year Cherie Tan, triple SEA Games gold medallist New Hui Fen and Iliya Syamim saw their run end in the matchplay round after they finished third in their group. The previous best finish by the country's male bowlers on the global stage came in the 2018 World Bowling Men's Championships, where they clinched a historic bronze medal. Ong and Neo were part of that team together with Basil Ng, Keith Saw, Jaris Goh and Joel Tan. Ong was also in the team that ended Singapore's 22-year wait for a men's team bowling gold at the SEA Games in 2017, along with Cheah, Timothy Tham, Ng, Goh and Saw. Chia, who is making his World Championship debut, has enjoyed his own success at the youth level, winning two gold medals at the 2019 Asian Youth Championships. The male bowlers' silver medal brought Singapore's medal tally at the IBF Super World Championships to five, making it the country's most successful campaign at a combined World Championships. The Republic's first medals of the competition came from Ng and Tan, who clinched a gold and silver medal respectively after coming against each other in the first-ever all-Singaporean women's singles final last Friday. The women's trios team of Ng, Tan, New and Iliya finished bronze medallists in the women's trios event on Sunday, with Ng, Tan, Ong and Cheah also claiming a bronze medal in the mixed team event after a 278-248 defeat by the United States in the semi-finals on Monday. Singapore Bowling Federation president Valerie Teo told The Straits Times: "We are very proud of the team, it has been a very good outing. Eight athletes returning from world competition with medals is no mean feat. Singapore Bowling finished our campaign with five medals, including another piece of history - a silver in the men's team event." Teo, herself a former national bowler, noted that the competition format had been "gruelling". "Both qualifying and quarter-final matches were in one venue, then everyone moved to a different venue with different lanes and conditions for the medal matches. And, most of the team bowling literally ran from dawn to dusk," she explained. "The team has taken away many lessons from these championships and will benefit from these as they prep for their next event. For now, they fully deserve all cheers from us here at home, and to take a well-deserved rest. All of us at Singapore Bowling are waiting eagerly for them to return and to hear their stories and, yes, to hold their medals!"
Basketball: BAS' new chief Koh aims to get S'pore to 2032 Olympics in 3x3 discipline Dr Koh Koon Teck believes that the inclusion of 3x3 basketball at the Tokyo Olympics could be a game changer.ST PHOTO: SAMUEL ANG Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED NOV 17, 2021, 8:22 PM SGT FACEBOOKTWITTER SINGAPORE - Koh Koon Teck has gone from being a competitive basketballer in his youth to holding several roles in the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) since 2003, including stints as the team manager at 2013 and 2015 SEA Games, where the Republic finished third. Now, Koh, who was elected the BAS' president in May, has even bigger plans for the sport as he eyes a place for Singapore at the 2032 Olympics in 3x3 basketball. The 54-year-old believes that the inclusion of 3x3 basketball at the Tokyo Olympics could be a game changer. He noted that the nature of the format would allow Singapore to be more competitive. It is less physical and so Asian players, who are of a smaller stature than many of their Western counterparts, are at less of a disadvantage. He pointed out that China and Japan, who were third and fifth respectively in the women's competition at the Tokyo Games, are examples of Asian countries that have achieved success in the game. He also explained that its relative novelty also makes the format more of a level playing field than the 5v5 format. He said: "People see 3x3 as a street game, not a traditional sport. But now it's an Olympic discipline. A lot of traditional powerhouses are not necessarily top because the requirements of this game are very different from 5v5. "If you look at the statistics and how the game is structured, I think we stand a better chance than 5v5 in high performance." With 3x3 basketball stressing less about physicality and more on individual skills, the format is more suited for the Singapore context, as it requires fewer players and a greater focus would help develop players' technical skills. "The 3x3 discipline will help to solve a lot of local problems. It is about individual skills. If you don't have individual skills, you can't win games," said Koh, who is head of the National Institute of Education's Physical Education & Sports Science department. The main aim now is growing the pool of 3x3 basketballers, especially those in primary schools. Starting early would help players develop strong fundamentals at an early age, and this foundation will help with the transition to 5v5 format later. Currently, the National School Games' junior division competition is played in a 3v3 format and Koh hopes to use that as a platform to generate interest among youths. The plan to get Singapore to the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane includes hitting milestones such as qualifying for the Fiba 3x3 Under-17 Asia Cup by 2024, the Fiba 3x3 U-18 World Cup by 2027 and Fiba 3x3 World Cup by 2029, as well as winning medals at the Fiba 3x3 Asia Cup by 2028. Another area that Koh will be focusing on during his two-year term will be getting the national teams ready for next May's SEA Games in Hanoi. But with the disruptions to full-team training caused by the pandemic, Koh said a realistic target would be a fourth or fifth-place finish given that Singapore's neighbours have had several more months of full-team training. However, he is targeting a podium finish for the men's team at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. Beyond the SEA Games, he hopes to see both the men's and women's teams returning to the Fiba Asia Cup, the continent's top competition. The men's team last qualified for this in 2015, while the women's team last played in the Fiba Asia Cup Division B - the second tier - in 2017. Koh said: "We've missed Fiba Asia for a number of years. Only if you work towards and compete at that level, will your standard of play improve. For me, SEA Games is just one competition, we don't just want to set our vision there. We want to create more competition exposure." Producing more competition opportunities for current players is another key area that he is looking at and he hopes to achieve this through several initiatives such as lengthening the National Basketball League season as well as introducing a semi-professional league with foreign players. With team sports badly affected by the pandemic, restarting basketball is also high on Koh's agenda. The BAS is launching the 1st BAS National Skills Challenge, a skills challenge circuit, which will take place in December at the Singapore Basketball Centre. The event, which will follow the current safe management measures that limit sports activities to groups of two, will see participants completing stations that test their various basketball skills. Participants can sign up in groups of two, but will have to complete the stations individually, with their scores added up at the end of the challenge. Koh said: "We need to rethink the way we organise competitions. In the past it was all five-a-side, but the safe management measures mean we need to change people's mindsets that when we are talking about competitive basketball right now, we could be talking about 2v2, 3v3 or 4v4. "If we just wait for 3v3, we can't organise anything. There won't be competitions and there's no motivation for the players either." Logo design contest The Basketball Association of Singapore is welcoming those residing in Singapore to participate in its logo design contest, which carries a $1,000 prize and runs until Nov 30. Participants are invited to create an original, minimalistic, and modern logo that resonates with BAS' vision and mission. A panel will select the top five submissions before the winner is decided based on the numbers of comments received on both Facebook and Instagram from Dec 17-23. The registration form and more information can be found on their website. Koh said: "Our 2032 plan outlines ambitious and substantial focuses for the following 10 years. "We want to involve Singaporeans, especially basketball lovers, to journey together with us to achieve our 2032 goal. We are also moving away from a male-dominant logo while promoting gender equity through basketball. We decided that this is the right time to rebrand the logo for BAS." Additional reporting by David Lee
Dr Teh Kong Chuan, SNOC medical commission chairman passed away, SG National Olympic Council & SEA Regional Anti-Doping Organisation mourns and pays tribute to the IOC Trophy-winner Dr Teh Kong Chuan, SNOC medical commission chairman passed away, SG National Olympic Council & SEA Regional Anti-Doping Organisation mourns and pays tribute to the IOC Trophy-winner - The Independent Singapore News Photo: Facebook, screengrab, Singapore National Olympic Council "Dr Teh’s calm demeanour and friendly approach to all will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr Teh's family. Rest in Peace Dr Teh. " — Khoo Teck Puat Hospital November 19, 2021 By Mark Geronimo Singapore — Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) announced on Wednesday (Nov 17) on their Facebook page that SNOC chairman, Dr Teh Kong Chuan has passed away. Dr Teh served the athletes and patients, working for over 30 years in the Sports Medicine & Research Centre of Singapore Sports Council. The announcement shocked the public, including organisations, officials, and politicians who have worked with Dr Teh. In the Facebook post, SNOC stated credentials and past experiences of the doctor such as serving the SNOC and the Olympic Movement on many occasions and in many capacities. According to SNOC, as a leading pioneer sports medicine doctor in Singapore, he was a team physician to Team Singapore including SEA Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital showed their respect for the veteran doctor on Thursday (Nov 18), the day after Dr Teh’s death. On their Facebook page, they said “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Teh Kong Chuan on 17 November 2021. As a veteran in Sports Medicine, he has cared for many of our patients and was actively involved in the management of athletes for Team Singapore. He was also one of the pioneer physicians who has contributed greatly to promoting clean sport and doping control in the region.” “Dr Teh’s calm demeanour and friendly approach to all will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr Teh’s family. Rest in Peace Dr Teh,” the Facebook post says. Politician and Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin also expressed his gratitude to Dr Teh by thanking him for all his service and advice over the years. The Kickboxing Federation of Singapore also posted their message for Dr Teh via their Facebook page. “Kickboxing Federation of Singapore thanks Dr. Teh for all the help rendered in the development of Kickboxing in Singapore. Dr. Teh had advised Kickboxing Federation of Singapore on best medical protocols and practices in its early days of establishment. Dr. Teh had also attended to Team Singapore Kickboxing Athletes to ensure their health was of the highest standards before participating in International Kickboxing Competitions. The Kickboxing Federation of Singapore is grateful. Kickboxing Federation of Singapore wishes Dr. Teh’s family strength and peace during these difficult times,” they said in the post. In their post, they also mentioned President Mr. Jason Lim of the Kickboxing Federation of Singapore, who expressed his deepest condolences to the Teh family and loved ones. Knowing his profession and dedication to his work, Dr Teh has valued patients and individual lives since then. Netizens, friends and some former workers expressed their deep condolences to Dr Teh, whose presence will be surely missed. /TISG
Gary Tan: Swimmers want to write a new chapter Gary Tan: Swimmers want to write a new chapter, Latest Team Singapore News - The New Paper (straitstimes.com) Quah Jing Wen (above) broke Joscelin Yeo’s 200m individual medley national record at the Singapore National Swimming Championships (Short Course Metres) yesterday.PHOTO: ANDY CHUA/SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION NTC head coach says results at SNSC show promise after difficult few months Deepanraj Ganesan Nov 29, 2021 06:00 am After a disappointing outing at the Tokyo Olympics followed by the shock exit of national swimming head coach Stephan Widmer last month, the direction of the sport has come under scrutiny of late. But the performances at the 9th Singapore National Swimming Championships (Short Course Metres), which ended yesterday, have convinced National Training Centre (NTC) head coach Gary Tan that his charges are eager to move on and "write a new chapter". The four-day meet at the OCBC Aquatic Centre saw 20 national records broken and nine swimmers - Teong Tzen Wei, Quah Jing Wen, Pang Sheng Jun, Maximillian Ang, Ong Jung Yi, Glen Lim, Ashley Lim, Amanda Lim and Marina Chan - qualify for next month's Fina Swimming World Championships (SCM) in Abu Dhabi. The final list will be confirmed on Wednesday. Tan, 39, said: "From the last few meets we've had, to be very honest, we were underperforming to a certain extent, even at the Olympics, where things were a little bit tougher on us. "It's always good to come out of this slump with a renewed sense of energy with the team. "Coming into this meet, we did not have much expectations. The coaching staff's focus was on getting as many swimmers to the World Champs and how we wanted our athletes to go out there and start racing hard. TEAM SINGAPORE Soh beats Asiad 10,000m qualifying mark, now aims for marathon as well Nov 30, 2021 Related Stories Floorballers face uphill task after draw with Russia Beaten Loh Kean Yew knows eyes are on him now Singapore's Loh Kean Yew claims biggest win by defeating world No. 1 Kento Momota "We saw that today and over the last few days. It's been really great, and I could not have asked for a better meet." Yesterday, Quah's effort in the women's 200m individual medley was another standout result. She clocked 2min 12.58sec to break Joscelin Yeo's national record of 2:13.09 set in 2000. The arrival of Hungarian Alex Mordvincev, Brazilian Gustavo Schirru and former national swimmer Lionel Khoo as NTC assistant coaches since August has contributed to the "feel-good environment", said Tan. "We got new coaches on board, just different sets of energy that we brought to the squad. The whole meet seemed more relaxed, more fired up and that's where we actually saw a whole lot of times dropped in the process as well. "I think the coaches on deck and the people around are more relaxed and happier, and to be very honest, I think it is the weight that has been lifted from the disappointment of the Olympics. "It is just a case of moving on and writing a new chapter for Singapore swimming." While the Singapore Swimming Association has yet to announce Widmer's successor, Tan was keen to take up the challenge. He said: "I know I am up against capable candidates and may the best man win. But I will not shy away from this job. I want to take up the responsibility because I want to make an impact and I want to make things right for Singapore swimming." Teong, 24, who set three national records last week, said the new coaching additions have been "refreshing". He added: "The results speak for themselves. We've all done very well, you can see the energy and vibe has been different compared to before."
Very similar to ole Manchester United story. A very young coach guy. Only hire young legends by SBA. Hope he doesnt flop in the coming world championship. Add oil. Any strategy to beat Viktor this time? Sticking to the plan this time? No excuses ya. What was lacking when he lost to Viktor in recent IO final. Looks very tame. Not like a beast when he beat others. Can this be fixed before the coming wc? Do not give too much respect to Viktor is also an important factor. If no one pokes them, they wont wake up.
SPORTS https://heretoplay.com.sg/fab-fit-f...to_play_december&utm_content=sg_athlete_image A DEFINING MOMENT Three promising young members of Team Singapore share how they got hooked on their sports. December 9, 2021 From left: Sheik Farhan, Jaslyn Hooi and Lavin Raj. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SILAT FEDERATION, SINGAPORE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION, SPORT SINGAPORE. Many of our sporting talents started out as an everyday athlete, enjoying sports in school or a game with Dad. But what was that one defining moment where they knew, without a doubt, that the sport they enjoy is more than a recreational game to them? Three athletes share their journey with Here-to-Play. Sheik Farhan Sheik Farhan. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SILAT FEDERATION Commonly referred to as just “silat”, pencak silat is a martial art indigenous to Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, it’s practiced around the world and is a key event at regional sports meets. “I started training in silat at the age of three,” said Sheik Farhan. “My father has always been enthusiastic about silat and brought my siblings and I for training on Sundays. This continued until I was older and silat turned into a competitive sport for me.” A three-time world champion, 24-year-old Sheik was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list earlier this year. He shares that his goal in life is to do his best in his sport and his studies, and that representing Singapore in silat is an important personal milestone in this journey. His family has supported and encouraged him throughout his career, helping to propel him to new heights. His athletic career hasn’t been a cakewalk, though. One of the toughest moments of his career came in 2018, when he lost at the Asian Games. It was a moment he will never forget, but is also a key motivating factor. Sheik’s father played an especially big role in his success — he stepped in to coach Sheik personally and helped him improve after his defeat. “My defeat at the Asian Games helped me identify and rectify the mistakes I made at that competition,” said Sheik, who has since grown into a wiser and more formidable pugilist. Jaslyn Hooi Jaslyn Hooi. PHOTO: SINGAPORE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION When she defeated India’s Samiya Imad Farooqui to win the Polish International badminton final in September this year, Jaslyn Hooi established her position as one of Singapore’s most promising badminton talents. Her performances have helped her steadily climb the world rankings, and now the 21-year-old athlete is eyeing a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “My dad was a competitive badminton player, so we often play together recreationally,” said Jaslyn Hooi, who has won medals in competitions held in countries like Poland, Belgium, Indonesia and Singapore. “I started to get serious about this sport, because I share the same passion as my dad; we love how dynamic and unpredictable the game is.” “When I entered the National Intermediate Squad in Singapore Sports School, I was exposed to multiple international junior competitions,” she continues. “At one of them, the Jaya Raya Grand Prix 2017, I managed to get into the finals. That was when I realised I have the potential to go further, to get to the highest level of badminton.” One of the biggest challenges Hooi faces is injuries, which can sometimes prevent her from training for at least two weeks at a stretch and require her to spend time getting back on track after recovery. She believes a positive mindset is key to success. By analysing her matches and visualising how she can do better, she is able to identify problems that might have previously gone unnoticed. “My family has been my biggest supporter,” she says. “They give me the freedom to chase my dreams, and never once have they tried to micromanage my career. They gave me the space to find my way, which helped shape me into who I am today. My coach, Kelvin Ho, has also helped a lot in my transition from a junior to a senior player and gave me the confidence that I can achieve so much more with the right mindset.” Lavin Raj Lavin Raj. PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE Lavin Raj was first introduced to basketball in primary school. Today, at 21 and towering above the average Singaporean at 2 metres tall, he is one of the most recognisable faces on the Singapore Slingers professional basketball team. “Initially, I wasn’t really interested, because I didn’t know much about basketball,” says Lavin. Lavin’s primary school teachers had invited him on two occasions to try out for the school team. “The second time, I was invited to watch my primary school senior boys team basketball game. After watching the game, I decided to give it a shot, as it seemed like a lot of fun. Once I started going for training, I never stopped. Watching the 2015 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games motivated me to train harder and I became more serious during training and spent more time trying to get into the national squad.” Lavin worked hard and eventually debuted as part of the Singapore men’s national basketball team in 2017. He was slated to compete at the 2017 SEA Games, but almost missed it due to a stress fracture in his foot. “As the SEA Games got closer, I was worried that I would not be able to compete due to my injury,” he said. “I wanted to compete, so I poured all my energy into rehab and rest. Luckily, the doctor cleared me and I got to play at the SEA Games.” Like many top athletes, there are a host of supporters behind Lavin — his teachers, coaches, and especially his parents. “Since day one, my parents have supported me in my sporting journey,” he said. Much bigger-sized than most Singaporeans, Lavin requires extra large-sized shoes and clothing, and his mother would travel to Malaysia to shop for him. “Never once have they been opposed to me playing basketball,” said Lavin. “They have always encouraged me to do better, encouraged me after games, and made sure I get ample rest when I am exhausted. I want to thank them for being on this journey with me, for never giving up on me, always pushing me, encouraging me and providing for me.
Singapore out of world swimming c'ships after 4 swimmers test positive for Covid-19 The world championships have been hit by several Covid-related complications.PHOTO: EPA-EFE Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED DEC 16, 2021, 8:04 PM SG SINGAPORE - Singapore will not compete at the Fina World Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi after four of the Republic's 14 swimmers tested positive for the coronavirus. The four swimmers, who are isolating in a different hotel from the others, are awaiting the results of a second polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The Straits Times understands that three of the swimmers are asymptomatic, while one has a cough, fever and loss of smell and taste but does not require medical attention. The Singapore contingent travelled to Dubai on Sunday (Dec 12) and cleared the pre-departure test then, before arriving in Abu Dhabi the next day for the Dec 16-21 short course world championships. The squad includes SEA Games medallists Teong Tzen Wei, Pang Sheng Jun, Darren Chua, Maximillian Ang, Nur Marina Chan, Amanda Lim and Quah Jing Wen. Accompanying the team at the world championships are SSA technical director Sonya Porter, coaches Gustavo Schirru, Douglas Djang and Zhang Jian Lan, physiotherapist Ivy Yeung, strength and conditioning coach Thng Shiqi and high performance manager Tracie Tan. The Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) said in a statement: "SSA is keeping in close contact with the swimmers, their families and the authorities, providing all the necessary support to ensure that the health and safety of our swimmers are taken care of. "SSA is currently seeking approval and making arrangements to travel for members of the contingent who have not tested positive to fly back to Singapore. Sonya Porter will remain in Abu Dhabi to look after the affected swimmers and will fly back to Singapore with them after they are allowed to travel." The world championships have been hit by several Covid-related complications. At a press conference on Wednesday, Fina president Husain Al-Musallam said that seven nations had withdrawn from the meet due to issues related to the Omicron variant. A travel ban on South Africa over the new Covid-19 variant has seen the country's original team of 21 swimmers cut to just four, which includes 10-time short course world champion Chad Le Clos and Australia-based Michaela Pulford. Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker and 2021 Fina Swimming World Cup winner Matt Sates are among the South African swimmers who will miss the meet. Italian breaststroker Fabio Scozzoli, who was the 2012 world short course champion in the 100m breaststroke event, also withdrew from the competition and is in quarantine in Italy after testing positive for Covid-19. The swimmers are not the only national athletes who have been hit by the virus. Last month, Lions captain Hariss Harun and teammate Hafiz Nor tested positive for Covid-19, but both have since recovered and are with the national team for the ongoing AFF Suzuki Cup in Singapore. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Swimming: Singapore's Colin Soon wins fourth gold at Asian Youth Para Games[/paste:font] Swimming: Quah Jing Wen leads the way as 4 earn spots in short-course World C'ships[/paste:font] Join ST's Telegram channel here and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Swimming: Quah Jing Wen leads the way as 4 earn spots in short-course World C'ships Quah Jing Wen rewrote national records in the women's 100m individual medley and 400m freestyle on Nov 25, 2021.PHOTO: ANDY CHUA/SSA Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED NOV 25, 2021, 10:08 PM SGT SINGAPORE - After graduating from Texas A&M University in August, Quah Jing Wen was reluctant to leave the United States, an environment that she had grown comfortable with over the past four years. But the 20-year-old has adjusted well since returning to Singapore and was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which she has adapted to training back home. That showed on Thursday (Nov 25) as she rewrote national records in the women's 100m individual medley and 400m freestyle on the first day of the 9th Singapore National Swimming Championships (Short Course Metres). At the OCBC Aquatic Centre, Quah first erased her elder sister Ting Wen's 100m IM record (1min 1.43sec) by clocking 1:00.94 in the heats, meeting the 'A' cut for the Dec 16-21 Fina Swimming World Championships 2021 (SCM) in Abu Dhabi. The multiple SEA Games gold medallist then set a new mark with her time of 1:00.57 in the final. In the women's 400m free heats, Jing Wen clocked 4:08.37 to better Rachel Tseng's time of 4:11:11. She said: "My plan initially was to just try the training (in Singapore). To be honest, I was really reluctant to come back because after spending four years in one programme in the US, I got so comfortable doing the same thing. I knew what I was expecting and what I was getting so change was pretty hard for me to accept. "I had the idea in my head that I was definitely going to go back (to the US), but when I did come back to Singapore to train, I was very surprised by how I was with the environment and the training programme and the people I'm surrounded with. I've definitely found a programme that fits me for now and that shows in my first day of racing." Also booking their spots in the World Championships were Teong Tzen Wei, Maximillian Ang and Glen Lim, who all set national records in their respective events. Teong, 24, rewrote the men's 50m butterfly record twice on Thursday. He first finished the heats in 22.32 seconds, erasing Joseph Schooling's previous record of 22.40sec, before lowering his time to 22.24sec in the final. While his time in the final places him joint-ninth in the current world rankings alongside Australia's Kyle Chalmers, the two-time SEA Games gold medallist felt that there was still room for him to improve. "I'm happy with the performance, but there are a lot of things to improve on and go faster," said Teong, who is still recovering from a torn shoulder labrum. Teong Tzen Wei rewrote the men's 50m butterfly record twice. PHOTO: ANDY CHUA/SS "I'm trying to keep the emotions in check, there are a few more days of racing so I have to put what I've done - good or bad - behind me and look forward to the next race." He credited the coaching team at the National Training Centre for helping him cope with the mental fatigue and physical strain of the last season, which was prolonged by the pandemic. Now, Teong is looking forward to his first overseas meet since the 2019 SEA Games. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Swimming: Quah sisters Ting Wen and Jing Wen make a splash[/paste:font] Olympics: Quah siblings lament physical shortcomings as Tokyo inquest begins[/paste:font] He said: "We train day in and day out, so the environment is very important. It's impossible to do this by myself and it's easier psychologically when you swim for a greater cause, whether it's for the team, family or nation." In the men's 200m breaststroke, Ang rewrote his own record when he touched the wall in 2:08.49 to win the final, bettering his previous mark of 2:10.39, while Lim topped the men's 400m free final in 3:45.41, eclipsing Pang Sheng Jun's time of 3:48.55. They both met the 'B' cuts for the World Championships. Ang, who also qualified for the men's 100m IM, said: "I wasn't exactly happy because I thought I did a faster time, but a step forward is a step forward and I'll take it as motivation to do better."
Obituary: National shooter Poh Lip Meng dies aged 52 1 of 2 Poh Lip Meng had collapsed during a jog and was taken to Changi General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE Laura Chia PUBLISHED DEC 23, 2021, 3:58 PM SGT SINGAPORE - National shooter and Commonwealth Games champion Poh Lip Meng died on Wednesday (Dec 22) evening. He was 52. The Straits Times understands he had collapsed during a jog and was taken to Changi General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Poh has a daughter Yu Ting, 14, and a son, Yu Hao, 20, who is also a national shooter. The father-son duo competed together at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Poh, who joined the national team in 2002, had been selected for next year's SEA Games in Hanoi in the 25m rapid fire pistol. Besides winning the 50m free pistol gold at the Southeast Asian Shooting Championship in 2014, he helped Singapore clinch the team gold in the same event at the 2015 SEA Games on home soil. Poh and Gai Bin captured the gold medal in the 25m standard pistol at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India. The pair and Nigel Lim then clinched a historic bronze in the 25m standard pistol team event at the 2014 Asian Games. They were the first men to earn a medal in a pistol event in the 63-year history of the Republic's participation at the Asiad. Lim, 42, has known Poh since 2008. He said: "When I first joined the national team, I thought he was scary because he's a senior but once you get to know him, you realise he jokes a lot and everyone loves hanging out with him. "He's the best so I followed whatever he did, especially when I was new. He has influenced us a lot because he leads by example. "Whenever we have problems with our shooting or guns or even outside of shooting, he's always there for us and the first thing to do is look for Poh because he's very dependable." Fellow pistol shooter Teo Shun Xie recalled how Poh would make the effort to welcome newcomers into the team. When she joined 16 years ago, he would invite her for lunch, play pranks on her or make jokes, all of which helped her feel more comfortable. Teo, 33, said: "When you're first invited to join the national team, you might feel very stressed. But Uncle Poh made the environment more homely, like everyone is one big family so there's no need to be so uptight and that definitely helped reduce stress."He sort of became my mentor and he has become like a family member to me. Outside the range, he is a family-oriented person. For example, whenever we arranged to meet on weekends, he always came after having dinner with his mother." (From left) Poh Lip Meng, Gai Bin and Nigel Lim with their gold medals at the 2015 SEA Games. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SEA GAMES ORGANISING COMMITTEE The Singapore Shooting Association in a Facebook post paid tribute to Poh as "a treasured member in the shooting family [who] will be greatly missed". Singapore National Olympic Council's president Tan Chuan-Jin said: "He was an exemplary athlete, and often greeted anyone he met with a friendly and warm disposition. We've lost a fine role model." The wake is held at Block 857, Tampines Street 83, Singapore 520857 until Sunday.
Singapore Swimming Association appoints new national head coach Gary Tan succeeds Stephan Widmer as Singapore’s national swimming head coach. (Photo: SSA) 23 Dec 2021 01:58PM(Updated: 23 Dec 2021 08:25PM) SINGAPORE: The Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) announced the appointment of Gary Tan as new national head coach on Thursday (Dec 23). Tan, who will also remain as acting head coach of the National Training Centre (NTC) until a replacement is found, takes over from Stephan Widmer with immediate effect. His immediate task will be to "oversee the implementation of SSA’s long-term plans for swimming high performance following a comprehensive review after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games", SSA said in a news release. He is also tasked to navigate challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were looking for a candidate that has the technical competence, track record and understanding of Singapore’s competitive swimming eco-system," said SSA president Lee Kok Choy. "SSA is delighted to have appointed Gary as our new national head coach as we believe that Gary is the best fit amongst all the candidates to influence the NTC and affiliate clubs, to mentor local coaches, to continue to bring forth world-class expertise through his connections with leading experts in the world, to adapt and relate to the local swimming ecosystem of athletes, coaches, and clubs, and have a strong burning desire to make Singapore a world-class aquatic nation”. Lee added that he hopes the appointment would inspire more local coaches to take up coaching as a profession and follow his pathway to be a world-class high-performance coach in Singapore. Tan, who has been the NTC head coach since 2016, was an "integral" part of the coaching staff where Singapore’s swimmers achieved their best away SEA Games results at the 2017 and 2019 SEA Games, said SSA. They finished with 19 golds in Malaysia, and two years later bagged 23 golds in the Philippines. He was also on the coaching team when Singapore achieved their best Asian Games results in Indonesia in 2018. The swimmers returned with two golds, one silver and three bronzes to finish third in the standings, behind Japan and China. He was crowned Coach of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards that year. "Having represented the nation as an athlete, a club coach and a NTC coach, I am living my dream to be able to lead the development of swimming in my home country," said Tan, a former national swimmer. "I am proud to be tasked with the role of continuing the legacy of Singapore’s success in swimming at the major competitions. There will be many challenges ahead but together with my team, I am ready to face them and do my best for Singapore." Tan said that he would reach out to SSA's affiliates to address issues and provide adequate help to clubs and swim school businesses in light of the struggles they face during this period. Source: CNA/ic(gr)
