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Athletes will compete across 48 sports, with a record 551 debutants representing the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Singapore\u2019s previous largest contingent was 749 athletes when it hosted the Games in 2015.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThis 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,\u201d said Ms Grace Fu, president of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC).\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Ms Fu, who is also Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, spoke to the media during the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games (APG) flag presentation ceremony on Saturday (Nov 8).\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Singapore\u2019s chef de mission for the Games Lawrence Leow said introducing more newcomers is a long-term strategy, especially as the nation gets ready to host the biennial multi-sport event in 2029.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cBy (2029), our debutants would have four more years of exposure and experience, not forgetting that they would have taken part in SEA Games 2027, and that would enhance our medal hopes,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Badminton player Yeo Jia Min and ju-jitsu\u00a0exponent Noah Lim have been selected as flag bearers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Close to 100 sport science and sport medicine professionals will support the athletes in Thailand.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Para judo athlete Joan Hung will lead the charge at the ASEAN Para Games in January next year, where 41 athletes will represent Singapore across 11 sports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n