SEA Games 2025 - All In For The Podium: Thiruben Thana Rajan's Fourth and Most Determined SEA Games Yet
- Hana Basir
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
After breaking the 800m national record amidst a rise in athletics talent in Singapore, Thiruben Thana Rajan has faith that his teammates will clinch SEA Games silverware this year
In May this year, everything shifted the moment he crossed the finish line at the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea. Thiruben Thana Rajan realised what he had done: he had rewritten Singapore’s national 800m record—one that had stood for 38 years.
That single moment of impact became an anchor for his SEA Games preparations and goals.
“It’s definitely a big confidence booster for me because the national record is something that I’ve been targeting for at least one or two years now. To finally hit it means I’m on the right track,” he said, reflecting on the milestone that reset his ambitions and renewed his hunger.
“I definitely have bigger goals for the SEA Games. I’m on the right track in my preparations to win a medal at the SEA Games.”
Though he has worn the Singapore crest three times before, this fourth outing carries a different weight. This time, the 25-year-old is not just participating, he’s competing.
“I think this will be my first time going in with the intention to really do my best and try get the gold medal,” he said.
“Of course, anything can happen in the 800m—it’s an unpredictable event. All I can do now is prepare myself and bring my timing down as much as possible. Hopefully, I’ll be breaking the national record more times before the SEA Games and give it my best shot there. Again, anything can happen on the day but my aim is always to win gold.”
Rediscovering the Joy in the Middle Distance
Thiruben may have started his career as an 800m specialist, but the past few seasons saw him spend significant time in the 400m—an event that relies significantly on speed and power. Having now returned to the 800m, he carries a unique blend of speed and endurance that he hopes will provide an advantage against his regional competitors.
“I think the need to be really brave when I race is important,” he said, describing the mindset he hopes to bring to Thailand.
“Even though I started my career as an 800m runner, I’ve been focusing on the 400m for a couple of years and I think that actually has really helped me build on my speed. Hopefully, on race day, I can rely on my finishing kick but even if it’s a fast race, I hope I’ve built myself up enough to handle any pace that is thrown at me. I think it’ll be very fun.”
Returning to the 800m has been a journey of rediscovery. Having suffered a few injuries while competing in the 400m event, going back to his middle-distance roots has been a welcome change for him. Racing two laps — with others around him, drafting, pushing, responding — feels more natural.
“I think it’s been a good shift because when I started out my career doing middle distance, that’s what suited my body the best and what I enjoyed racing the most,” he said.
“I really enjoy doing my longer runs and still being able to do gym and speed workouts. It’s been a great change and I enjoy training and racing a lot more now. I enjoy running in a pack rather than just being in my own lane.”
A Rising Tide in Singapore Athletics
Thiruben’s personal growth is happening at the same time Singapore Athletics is undergoing a surge like never before. Across sprints, jumps, throws, and distance events, national records have fallen at a remarkable pace. The team heading to the SEA Games this year is not only larger — but more competitive than ever.
“Singapore Athletics, our group of athletes have improved so much over the last two to three years. We’re winning so many medals and breaking so many records,” he gushed.
“I’m just glad to be part of that story too. Representing Singapore always fills me with pride. I know the team is going to do really well at the SEA Games and I hope I can be part of that journey, contributing with medals and more national records.”
This year’s athletics squad is also one of the youngest in recent memory, and that excites him — not only for the immediate SEA Games, but for the future of the sport.
“I think this year especially, we have a very good representation across all events—not just track and sprints, our middle distance and long distance teams are really coming up,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be really exciting and I think we’ll see a wider spread of medals across different events. I think we can look forward to athletics being one of the best performing sports. I hope so at least.”
For the Next Generation
With younger athletes emerging, watching, and learning, Thiruben knows all too well the toll the sport can take on the mind and body. To his younger, up and coming teammates, he said:
“Don’t set limits to yourself. Track and field is such a mental sport—more than physical. I feel you always need to have a bit of overconfidence in yourself to think that you can achieve something even before you’ve done it.”
“Aim high. Training hard is a given but you also need to have a good mindset. Run with confidence, anything is possible.”