SINGAPORE \u2013 Not only will Singapore be fielding its largest-ever contingent for the Dec 9-20 SEA Games in Thailand, it will also notch another milestone with the biggest number of debutants at the biennial event.<\/p>\n
On Nov 8, the Singapore National Olympic Committee (SNOC) confirmed the squad of 930 athletes across 48 sports, which includes 551 debutantes \u2013 more than double the 260 who competed in the last edition in Cambodia in 2023.<\/p>\n
Singapore\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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: \u201cInvolving debutantes is definitely a very good strategy. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be good for Singapore for the 2029 SEA Games when we play host, by that time, our debutantes 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
SNOC president Grace Fu said in her speech: \u201cEach edition of the games brings with it a renewed sense of pride, purpose and unity, and this year, that spirit shines brightly than ever, because Singapore will be fielding our largest ever contingent at the SEA Games. <\/p>\n
\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, who collectively in the sports community, have worked so tirelessly to reach this level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Debutante Avril Tan, who is part of the women\u2019s floorball team gunning for gold, will savour her moment in national colours.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old said: \u201cGrowing up, I\u2019ve always watched the SEA Games and players across different sports, and is something to be proud of, to be able to don the national jersey at the Games \u2013 one of the most prestigious major games for Singapore.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other debutants like Maximilian Maeder, while only 19, already have a collection of major trophies under their belts. The kitefoiler, who has <\/p>\n an Olympic bronze<\/p>\n <\/a>, Asian Games gold and two world championships titles, will be aiming for his first gold medal at the Games in Pattaya and Sattahip.<\/p>\n The 930-member contingent will include veterans like four-gold sprint queen Shanti Pereira, who is <\/p>\n aiming to retain her 100m and 200m double<\/p>\n <\/a> on the track. <\/p>\n 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 <\/p>\n won an appeal in August to join the team<\/p>\n <\/a> in Thailand, after initially being left out of the contingent.<\/p>\n Team Singapore will be led two flag bearers, jiu-jitsu exponent Noah Lim and badminton player Yeo Jia Min, who are competing in their fourth and sixth SEA Games respectively.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/picture><\/div>