SEA Games 2025 Thailand Boxing - Being an Embalmer Made Me Realise That Life Is Short and to Grasp Every Opportunity: Danisha Mathialagan
- Hana Basir
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Full-time Singaporean boxer and freelance embalmer, Danisha Mathialagan opens up about how her unique profession has shaped her mindset in her journey to the SEA Games
In the ring, it’s loud. Whether it’s the coach, the sound of the crack of gloves landing, the scrape of shoes cutting across canvas—and in the mind, calculating your next move.
But when the bout ends, Singaporean boxer Danisha Mathialagan steps into another arena—one quieter, more delicate, and perhaps even heavier.
The 28-year-old Singaporean Boxer and freelance embalmer was initially set to begin a four year bond as a radiographer at a hospital, but instead broke the bond to train full-time.
She then took up the job of being a freelance embalmer, something that has shaped her mindset in ways few could imagine, grounding her, sharpening her purpose, and reminding her daily that time waits for no one.
“As cliché as it sounds, it made me realise that life is indeed short and we have to grasp and make use of every opportunity we get."
Come December in Thailand, the national champion will enter the ring at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Twice the Games have eluded her, but it’s that relentless drive that now makes her one of the region’s most compelling athletes to watch.
Life, Death, and Purpose
Danisha’s choice of profession outside the ring isn’t one most would take up—but is one of utmost sacredness. Her work as an embalmer is delicate, technical, and deeply human. Before that, she served as a forensic technician before quitting to focus on her degree at Singapore Institute of Technology.
“I was working as a forensic tech before embalming and I left to further my studies. But I still felt like working with the dead was my thing so I got to embalming.”
“It's a very niche industry so I take pride in doing my job. It means a lot to me.”
Balancing freelancing at three different funeral homes with full-time training is no small feat. Before her SEA Games preparation intensified, her days were a little more uncertain.
“Before I began preparing for the SEA Games, I would usually have training in the morning and evening, and I’d be on standby in the middle of the day. On Saturdays, I was off from work, and I’d then have a full day of work on Sunday with a break from boxing” shared Danisha.
“Now, with the SEA Games around the corner, my team took it upon themselves to let me have more time to train and rest—so I only have to work Mondays, Friday nights and Sundays.”
Having chosen to train full-time—still a rarity among Singapore’s athletes—she’s committed to a lifestyle that demands unwavering discipline and real sacrifice.
“The challenge with training full time is that I'm hardly available for other people and constantly thinking about boxing. Everything I do just revolves around boxing. It can be quite tiring."
But the trade-offs come with their rewards.
“I don't have to rush around between work and training, allowing me to have more rest and recovery time—which is important when training gets very intense.”
A Long-Awaited Return
The SEA Games stage is not unfamiliar to Danisha. She made her debut in 2019, but has since been forced away from the regional tournament for its past two editions. The Covid pandemic limited the amount of bouts needed for Danisha to qualify for the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi. Two years later, the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia did not include her category, the women’s flyweight.
When she found out she would finally be competing again this year, the emotion was simple and overwhelming.
“I really felt happy to be able to represent the country at the SEA Games again.”
“Preparations have been in full swing. We've been out for training camps in Japan and India which were both enriching and tiring—but getting to train full time feels like a blessing.”
Carrying the Weight of Expectation
As Singapore’s top female boxer and an emerging name outside of Singapore, pressure is both constant and unavoidable. But Danisha approaches it as a privilege that will only help her soar even higher.
“I think pressure is inevitable. I just build a resilience mindset which helps me during high pressure situations.”
Her proudest moment so far? The one etched permanently into Singapore’s sporting history.
“Being the first female Singaporean boxer to qualify for the Asian Games.”
Now, she stands at the cusp of another breakthrough — a SEA Games medal run that could cement her legacy even further.
With the belief of her coach, three-time SEA Games medallist Muhamad Ridhwan, the medal hopeful is seen as a genuine contender to bring home a title Singapore has not claimed since 1985.
And yet, for all the intensity of her daily grind, her goal for the SEA Games is disarmingly grounded.
“I just want to be present, do my best and most importantly have fun while I'm at it.”