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Singapore Management University athlete Suen Wei Zhen shares with us how she has been preparing for her first 10KM Road Race in the ASICS META: Time: Trials Malaysia More accustomed to track in the 800m and 1500m events, Singapore Management University student athlete and ASICS Campus Advocate Suen Wei Zhen will be taking on her first ever 10KM road race in the ASICS META: Time: Trials. With the guidance of her coach, she has adjusted her trainings and is looking forward to the 19 November event in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Hi Wei Zhen, share with us a bit about your background Wei Zhen: I started training competitively about two years ago where I mainly competed in 800m and 1500m track events and my training programme consists of mainly speed training because the distances required speed endurance. How will you prepare / train for your first 10km run? Wei Zhen: I'm increasing my long run mileage and doing longer intervals to help my body adapt to the longer distance. Never have I thought that one day I'll be standing on a 10KM starting line putting my endurance to the test I work closely with my coach where I communicate my running goals with him and he will tailor my programme accordingly. And previously when I was focusing on speed training, my intervals were mainly 200m to 400m repeat. But with the 10KM in plan my coach started increasing my interval distance so that I can maintain my pace for a longer period of time and as for my long aerobic runs. I started picking up my mileage to help my body adapt to the distance. How will you push yourself to beat your personal best? Wei Zhen: Your mind sets barriers but your heart breaks them. It will be mentally painful but I just have to anticipate and embrace it. Regardless of the results it is definitely a personal best record for me because this is going to be my first 10KM race. But what I'm looking for most is being part of the ASICS Global running committee where people come together regardless of their running stage or their running goals. What's the toughest part about running? Wei Zhen: Toughest part about running is getting yourself out of the door but soon enough running becomes part of your routine. But we come together to support each other in our journey. Join us this November 19, 2023 in our annual ASICS META: Time: Trials in Malaysia. Take on the challenge to beat your personal best in your 10KM road race. Sign up for the ASICS META: Time: Trials Malaysia, happening on Sunday, 19 November 2023 here. #Running #10KM #ASICSMETATimeTrials

Popular Nepalese runner in the Singapore running community Subas Gurung is looking to go one better at this year's ASICS META: Time: Trials, having come second in 2022 He finished second behind Malaysia's Muhammad Ikbolasen with a time of 31:55 minutes in the ASICS META: Time: Trials 10km road race in Bangkok last year. This year, Subas Gurung is looking to go one better and is hopeful of clinching top spot in Cyberjaya, Malaysia on Sunday 19 November 2023. SportPlus.sg recently caught up with the speed demon and his coach David Shum to ask them how Subas' preparations for the ASICS META: Time: Trials in Malaysia next month are going. How are your preparations for the ASICS META: Time: Trials in Malaysia? Subas: My preparations have been progressive and smooth. They comprise speed interval trainings, tempo runs and threshold training in order to maintain my body. David: The preparation has been going on well despite his heavy duty at work. I have incorporated a lot of training and workouts, and we are really looking forward to this ASICS META: Time: Trials. PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSIEN, SPORTPLUS.SG Apart from speedwork and mileage what else has been crucial to your training? Subas: My coach is always supporting me. He advises me for my gym core and strength training. These have been crucial in my preparations to ensure I am in tip top condition. David: Besides speed work and mileage I have also emphasised on strength and conditioning which also helps him in terms of support and also his cardiovascular system especially when we are doing this META: Time: Trials. For 10KM race it's not just speed and mileage we also need workouts to support on his strides for this race. At the same time I also want to incorporate sports massage so that he will probably be fresh for the next training and also for his work duty as well Do you feel any pressure going into this race? What are your expectations for this year? Subas: I don't feel any pressure from this event yet. Hopefully I will defend my championship (as the top Singapore representative) this year. See you guys at the ASICS META: Time: Trials in Malaysia! David: I will expect him to do a safe race number one. Number two I would want him to at least maintain his standing as a defending medalist and if all goes well it’s his bonus that he probably able to do his personal best. Sign up for the ASICS META: Time: Trials Malaysia, happening on Sunday, 19 November 2023 here. #Running #10KM #ASICSMETATimeTrials

A record high for international participation at the 2023 StanChart Singapore Marathon, as over 8,000 international runners from more than 70 countries flew in to participate Singapore, 3 December 2023 – The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2023 concluded an exceptional weekend of world-class racing, setting new benchmarks for endurance races in the region. As the World Athletics Gold Label race and National Championship made their triumphant return, SCSM2023 witnessed over 44,000 runners taking to the streets and finishing at the National Stadium, including more than 8,000 international participants – the highest in the marathon’s history – marking SCSM2023 as a truly global race. SCSM 2023 saw participants from over 70 countries, including elite athletes, passionate runners, and first-timers, complete the marathon and half marathon distances. The total distance clocked amounted to more than 768,800km, equivalent to cover the distance to the moon and back. The event also featured a series of shorter races, including the 10km, 5km, and Kids Dash, ensuring an inclusive event that welcomed runners of all ages and abilities. This year’s event featured spectator and cheer zones, keeping the excitement of the race high, as runners headed to the finish line at the National Stadium, a first-ever for the SCSM. The route had runners pass multiple Singapore landmarks including Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, War Memorial Park, Esplanade and Gardens by the Bay. Gold Label Elite Marathon: A Display of Exceptional Grit and Determination In the Gold Label Elite Marathon, Kenya’s David Barmasai Tumo emerged victorious in the men's category, with a time of 2:14:15. He finished ahead of Kenya’s Geoffrey Birgen who finished in 2:14:30 while Kenya’s Anderson Seroi was third in 2:15:59 Reflecting on the victory, Tumo said, “Running is my passion. I was aiming to improve my position from my last SCSM race here in 2018, and I focused on my agenda and got on track with my training gradually. Today, I’m getting the fruits of that.” Bahrain's Rose Chelimo claimed the top spot in the women's category with a timing of 2:37:18 just before Beatrice Jelagat Cherop in 2:37:35. Meseret Dinke of Ethiopia finished in 2:37:48 to take the second runner-up spot. Chelimo, who gave birth to her second child in 2021, said, “This is my first marathon win since 2018 and since I went on maternity leave in 2021. There were a lot of challenges to come back from maternity leave and I had to train very hard to do so." "Although this was the most difficult race I have ever done due to the heat and the humidity, it is a great feeling to know I can still compete for championships. I am looking forward to seeing my family back home and I know they will give me a warm welcome.” Winners of the Gold Label Elite Marathon men’s and women’s categories took home prize money of USD $30,000 each Mr Roy Teo, Industry Development, Technology & Innovation Group of Sport Singapore and Mr Patrick Lee, Cluster Chief Executive Officer of Singapore & ASEAN Markets of Standard Chartered were present to congratulate the male elite runners at the Gold Label Elite Marathon finish line. Mr Patrick Lee also joined Ms Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Experience Development Group, Sports & Wellness, Singapore Tourism Board, in welcoming the female elite runners as they crossed the finish line. As the race started, Mr Roy Teo commented, “As one of Singapore’s largest mass participation athletic events, SCSM today is a testament to the passion and dedication of Singaporeans for sports and fitness. It was inspiring to see these runners come through the National Stadium this weekend as they pushed their limits and celebrated the joy of running.” #SgMarathon #SCSM2023 #InsideSCSM

SportPlus.sg was at the Standard Chartered Singapore Race Expo to find out what makes runners tick, and why do they want to go beyond Why do runners choose to sign-up for a grueling marathon, and what makes them want to go beyond this weekend with Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon? SportPlus.sg social media host Muhammad Nurakif was at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Active Lifestyle Race Expo to do a series of impromptu street interviews from race participants, and here is what some of the participants had to say. When asked what his three running essentials for his runs were, Bayu Patria who hails from Musi Runners, a Running Club from Indonesia, shared: "My three running essentials are music, my Musi Runners t-shirt, and his running shoes." Bayu is running the Full Marathon at SCSM this year. Umar and Hidayah, whose three year-old son Danial Harrith is participating in this year's kids dash, shared that they wanted their son to have the unique experience of joining a marathon. "We don't think it's about winning or losing, it's just for the experience. And we have practised with him for quite a while, but in the end it really is just to encourage him to try this out." Teo Zhihao, a Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon pacer who hails from Running Department, believes that running is a great metaphor of life and teaches people to become more resilient when they encounter challenges in life. When asked why he thinks so, he shared: "National Service has helped the men in Singapore to become tougher than just a run." Adam Cohen and Celia Giorgetti who hail from Luxembourg and will both be running the 10km distance, were dressed to the nines brimmed with excitement. When asked why they came to Singapore to run, Adam said: "I love to run and I love competition, so I said why not?" Celia echoed Adam's sentiments and added: "I love a good challenge and it is my first time. More than anything I also wanted to feel the ambience of what a race in Singapore feels like." Runners of this year's Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon can expect a new route and an exciting new finish line at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub. Some 50,000 runners are expected to descend upon the F1 Pit Building startline this weekend across all events of Singapore's national marathon, as it returns as an IAAF World Athletics Gold Label race. #SportPlusSG #Running #SgRunners #SCSM2023

SINGAPORE, 2 December 2023 – It was goals galore on the first day of the Women’s World Floorball Championship (WFC) 2023 on Saturday (2 December), as hosts Singapore thrilled the crowd at the OCBC Arena after coming from behind twice to defeat WFC debutantes France 5-2 in their opening match. The home team dug deep to close out the win with goals from Shannon Yeo, Daphne Tan, Yee Yun Shawn, Nasha Jeffi and captain Michelle Lok. “I’m feeling a lot of emotions, because coming in, we didn’t know what to expect from France," shared Shannon Yeo. "When they took the lead against us, it was honestly quite scary. But it was a team effort – all the goals were scored by different people so it was a team win and I’m very happy. Winning on home ground is very different, because we’ve been training all year long and people don’t usually see all the hard work behind the scenes." "Singapore team were accurate in their shots so they were better. We did our best but it didn't go the way we wanted. It's the first time for us in the World Championship and there are quite many fans who followed us and they are enjoying Singapore as well," said French captain, Pauline Meneust. "It helps us because in France, floorball is not that developed so it's important for us to see that we have support so a huge thank you to them.” Right before the game, fans in the OCBC Arena enjoyed the competition's opening ceremony which saw performances and the presentation of the trophy. The first match of the day saw Germany record a decisive 10-0 win over Australia at the OCBC Arena, while defending WFC champions Sweden were in imperious form with a 20-3 win over Slovakia. Other highlights on Saturday include Switzerland’s Corin Ruttiman becoming her country’s most-capped floorball player after featuring in her 136th international match – an 8-2 victory over Norway. Purchase tickets to the IFF Women's Worlc Championships here. #SportPlusSG#Floorball#WomensWorldFloorballChampionships

Debuting in Singapore, the program opens a world of rewards, inspiring fans of the brands and consumers alike to move with ASICS 30 November, 2023 , Singapore – ASICS is excited to announce the official launch of the OneASICS™ Loyalty Program in Singapore, a significant milestone in rewarding loyal enthusiasts of the brand. With this launch, an exclusive lineup of benefits is introduced, further cementing the brand's commitment to keep people moving and building a thriving community that rewards both mind and body. "The launch of OneASICS™ signifies our commitment to strengthening our omnichannel offerings in Singapore and forging an even deeper connection with our community. This initiative is more than just a loyalty program; it's a strategic move to elevate the entire ASICS experience. And this is just the beginning. We will continually onboard even more exciting opportunities for those in our community, ensuring that every step with ASICS is not just a movement but a journey filled with rewarding experiences," said Yogesh Gandhi, Managing Director, ASICS Asia Pte Ltd. Unlock Exclusive Benefits with OneASICS™ The OneASICS™ Loyalty Program is more than just a rewards program; it's a commitment to enhancing the overall ASICS experience. As part of the official launch celebration, ASICS is calling for all sporting enthusiasts to join the program and enjoy a host of unparalleled benefits, including: • First Purchase Reward: Consumers enjoy a 15% discount on their first purchase, making their first ASICS experience even more special • Seamless Shopping Experience: Experience the convenience of free online delivery, ensuring ASICS favorites reach consumers effortlessly. • Birthday Cheers: Consumers can celebrate their special day with a 20% discount, a birthday privilege designed to make their moments even brighter. • Continuous Rewards: Earn valuable points with every purchase, opening the door to future cash rebates. Unlock Your Tier, Elevate Your Rewards There are three tiers in the OneASICS™ Loyalty Program, each offering increased rebates for every dollar spent, based on the respective annual spend. The higher the tier, the greater the rebates—tailoring rewards to your loyalty level. Premier Tier Annual Spend: $0 - $399.99 Earn 1 point per $1 spent 15% off first purchase Free delivery for all purchases Birthday Bonus Early access to sales Premium Tier Annual Spend: $400 – $999.99 Earn 1.2x points per $1 spent Free delivery for all purchases Birthday Bonus Early access to sales Special Offers Prestige Tier Annual Spend: $1,000 and above Earn 1.5x points per $1 spent Free delivery for all purchases Birthday Bonus Early access to sales Special Events and Offers #ASICSSG #ONEASICS

SINGAPORE, 21 NOVEMBER 2023 – Singapore fell 3-1 to regional giants, Thailand in the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Tuesday evening. Thai brothers, Supachok Sarachat and Suphanat Mueanta bagged the three goals for their country, while Shawal Anuar scored the sole goal for The Lions. The Singaporean players look up to the stands as they line up ahead of kickoff and prepare to sing the national anthem. 29,644 fans filled the National Stadium on Wednesday evening, surpassing the attendance for the Singapore Festival of Football match between Lion City Sailors and Tottenham Hostpur in July earlier this year. With a more defensive game plan by Takayuki Nishigaya, Shawal Anuar was often deployed to help subdue Thai attacks. Hassan Sunny is on high alert as a threatening Theerathon Bunmathan skips past the Singaporean forward. Theerathon Bunmathan embraces his teammates after Supachok Sarachat’s opener, assisted by Ekanit Panya. The goal came after only five minutes into the game. The War Elephants were charged with adrenaline and excitement, especially since coming into the game with a loss to China. Ilhan Fandi who towers at 1.8m, jumps up to defend his goal from a Thai corner, competing with Bali United centre-back, Elias Dolah. Ryhan Stewart makes a last ditch tackle in a crowded penalty area, blocking off Chalermsak Aukkee's shot towards goal. It was a busy shift for the Singaporean defence, who despite their best attempts conceded three goals. Ikhsan Fandi made his long-awaited return to the pitch since December 2022, earning a deafening chorus of cheers from the crowd, second only to Shawal Anuar’s goal. Fate had it that the forward returned to action for the first time since his serious knee injury in a Singapore jersey, which he suffered while also on national duty 339 days ago. Hassan Sunny gathers the ball safely, as he had done countless times in the game to keep the scoreline tamed. His most heroic save came in the second half, when a shot was deflected as it hit Safuwan Baharudin on its way to the goal. Despite the ball’s altered trajectory, the 39-year-old dove at full stretch to parry it away. Often seen breaking away from Singapore’s half of the pitch in an attempt to lead a counter attack, Song Ui Yong was one of the home side’s best performers before being taken off in the second half. Here, he turns away skillfully from Sarach Yooyen. Suphanat Mueanta, younger brother of Supachok Sarachat was a constant threat on the pitch. Nazrul Nazari keeps his eyes on the ball with knees bent, ready to pounce for the ball. As per tradition at the end of international games, The Singa Brigade sing the national anthem, ‘Majulah Singapura’ in unison with the players stood in front of them on the pitch. Win or lose, the group of fans hold the flag up proudly for the team. The Thai players celebrate the 3-1 win with their travelling fans, some clad in Thai traditional costumes. The away corner of the stadium was atmospheric for a full 90 minutes, competing with the Singa Brigade a few sections away. After every Thai goal, a massive Thai flag was unfurled in celebration. For more match photos from Singapore vs Thailand's AFC World Cup Qualifiers match, visit our photo album here. #AFCWCQ #SgFootball

Singapore lose ground in World Cup qualification after falling 1-3 at home to Thailand in the AFC World Cup 2026 qualification second round SINGAPORE, 21 NOVEMBER 2023 – If there was ever a match that needed that extra Kallang Roar, this was it. On Wednesday (21 November), Singapore played their AFC World Cup 2026 Qualification Second Round fixture against their Southeast Asian rivals Thailand in a packed National Stadium in Singapore. With noticeable absentees in Irfan Fandi for Singapore and Chanathip Songkrasin for Thailand, the match was still compelling considering the history between both teams. For more match photos from Singapore vs Thailand's AFC World Cup Qualifiers match, visit our photo album here. Singapore came into the matchup following a 5-0 away defeat to South Korea whilst Thailand aimed to give back to their travelling fans with a result after they felt that a point was stolen from them in their 2-1 loss against China. Entering the stadium to the loud cheers of the 29,644 fans in attendance, you could sense that this match would be memorable. Watching both nations’ flags emerge from the tunnel as captains Harris Harun and Theerathon Bunmathan escorted their teams onto the field, it felt as if we were in a coliseum. Seconds into the match, Supachok Sarachat warned Singapore of what was to come when he turned Lionel Tan on the edge of the box before watching his shot stun the hands of Singapore’s goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, who pushed it wide. He wasn’t going to be denied the second time around in the 4th minute. Supachok latched onto a well-timed lifted ball from Ekanit Panya and finished the move off with a delicious volley that was too quick for Hassan Sunny, as it flew under him and into the back of the net. Thailand were in the ascendency in the first 20 minutes with Suphanat Mueanta being a nuisance in and around the box but due to the heroics of Hassan Sunny, he was unable to find the net. Singapore found their second gear towards the end of the first period when skipper Harris Harun spotted Ilhan Fandi in the box, and the Challenger Pro League club Deinze striker cushioned the ball down with his chest before playing an inch-perfect pass to an oncoming Song Ui-yong. Unselfishly, the forward slid the ball across the goal for Shawal Anuar who drilled a shot pass Kampol Pathomattakul. 1-1 and it was game on for the Lions as both teams entered the tunnel at half-time. Singapore came out with the same pressure as how they ended the first half, with Song Ui-yong finding himself in control of a loose ball at the end of the box but his tame shot was well saved by Pathomattakul, with the keeper going down low to his bottom left post for an easy save. Teerasil Dangda 'The Machine' Alexandre Polking made some changes midway into the second half that made an instant impact. The most lethal change was putting on Teerasil Dangda for Supachai Chaided in the 66th minute. When asked why he didn’t start, Polking shared that Teerasil, whom he labelled a machine, confided in him and clarified that he only had 30 minutes in him as he was still carrying an injury. The 35-year-old striker only needed 10 minutes to make his mark on the game when he controlled a pass from Ekanit, turning Jacob Mahler before feeding Suphanat Mueanta who had a straightforward task of taking a touch before firing his shot past a helpless Hassan Sunny. Singapore knew they had to find a solution with time slowly running out. They almost had the chance to draw level through their captain Harris Harun. A desperate overhead lob by Shawal Anuar found his captain at the end of the ball, who unleashed a powerful volley that flew past the wrong side of the post. It would have been a stunning strike to draw both teams level. The combination of Teerasil and Suphanat was causing Singapore problems. They were made to pay again in the 86th minute when Teerasil masterfully controlled the ball from Theerathon before playing in Suphanat in the middle of the park. The 21-year-old took a swing at Hassan Sunny's goal, catching the Singapore goalkeeper flat-footed. The veteran could only get his right hand to the ball which was not enough as it slipped past him and into the net to make it 3-1 to Thailand. Like clockwork, you could see the disappointment in the Singaporean fans as they slowly made their way to the exits following the third goal, knowing that a Lions comeback was now impossible. As the final whistle blew, the faces of the Singaporean players told of their regret as they were unable to make their mark in the group. Polking shared during the press conference how important the win was for Thailand following their loss against China. He shared that though Singapore did pose a challenge, he believed in the capabilities of his players, especially Teerasil who showed how impactful he can be and Suphanat as his career progresses with his current team, Oud-Heverlee Leuven in Belgium. Coach Takayuki Nishigaya believed that the better team won on the night. He felt that the third goal threw the team off balance while they were searching for their second equaliser. He looks forward to watching his players improve in their respective clubs and grow as a team for their upcoming games. For more match photos from Singapore vs Thailand's AFC World Cup Qualifiers match, visit our photo album here. #AFCWCQ #SgFootball

The new ASICS NOVABLAST™ 4 promises a more plush bouncy and smoother ride, and will be available from 1 December 2023 2 November 2023, Singapore – ASICS today announces the launch of the NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe, a bouncy trainer that has quickly become one of ASICS’ most popular running shoes. The shoe’s renowned trampoline effect is achieved through FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning and geometries that create a springy feel underfoot. Inspired by blooming plant life and Fibonacci spiral leaf patterns, the NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe features a unique geometric design that gives the shoe an even more iconic look than its predecessors. The result of ASICS’ meticulous Design Philosophy, the shoe’s performance has also been enhanced through its revamped design and a series of new features. The FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning is ASICS’ lightweight and energetic foam, designed to help create plush bouncy feeling and smoother ride. The foam is made from approximately 24% bio-based material from renewable sources, such as leftover waste from sugar cane processing, meaning it not only benefits the global running community, but also eases the burden on the planet we run on. Importantly, this edition will be the first NOVABLAST™ model to be CO2e labelled, providing transparency on ASICS’ sustainability efforts. In fact, the CO2e emission of the NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe is 23% lower than the industry average*. Unique to the NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe, its midsole and outsole are engineered in a way that allow both the heel striking zone and forefoot area to capture and return more energy, generating weightless bounce in every step. Combined with the FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning foam, the shoe delivers a stronger rebound, helping to deliver that bouncy effect mid-run. The shoe’s breathability has also been improved through a one-piece, lightweight, highly breathable woven upper, featuring a stretchy construction with advanced comfort for daily running and races. Additionally, the tongue wing construction has been upgraded with advanced breathability to reduce tongue movement and give an overall better fit. Stability is another area in which ASICS has developed the design of the NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe, with a new heel construction making for a comfortable and supportive ride. The shoe has also been designed with a lower density placed in key areas of the AHAR™ LO outsole to deliver exceptional durability. Laura Bolgen at ASICS said: “Through our commitment to the ASICS Design Philosophy, we are proud to be bringing these important updates to the fan favorite NOVABLAST™ series. The NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe has been designed based on multiple product trials with runners as well as scientific knowledge and data." "The improvements and features reflect ASICS’ passion for innovation, and our commitment to full transparency on sustainability. With its bouncy experience and unique midsole design, the NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe provides a fun running experience for all runners. People can definitely move their minds with the NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe and that is exactly what we want to achieve.” The NOVABLAST™ 4 shoe will be available for men and women from ASICS retail, online stores and specialists running outlets in Singapore from December 1st, 2023, for $209. #ASICSSG #NothingFeelsBetter #NOVABLAST4

Singapore table tennis teens impress at WTT Youth Star Contender held in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal PHOTO: SINGAPORE TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, 20 November 2023 - Singapore table tennis starlets Zhou Jingyi and Ser Lin Qian continued Singapore's rich vein of form at the WTT Youth Star Contender by winning the U19 Girls' Doubles Category. In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the dynamic duo of Zhou Jingyi (周靖祎), 18 years old and Ser Lin Qian ((舒麟茜), 17 years old from Singapore overcame a series of formidable opponents throughout the course of the tournament to emerge as champions. PHOTO: SINGAPORE TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION Their quarterfinal match up pit them against Natalia Bogdanowicz from Poland and Veronika Matiunina from Ukraine. Zhou Jingyi and Ser Lin Qian showcased their prowess on the table, emerging victorious with a 3-1 triumph. The last four encounter proved to be an intense battle against the French pairing of Clea De Stoppelaire and Charlotte Lutz, but the Singaporean duo displayed resilience and strategic brilliance to ultimately clinch a hard-fought victory with a 3-2 scoreline, securing their place in the final. PHOTO: SINGAPORE TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION The final proved to be a test of skill and endurance as Zhou Jingyi and Ser Lin Qian faced off against the formidable duo of Annett Kaufmann from Germany and Enisa Sadikovic from Luxembourg. In a closely contested match, the Singaporean pair emerged triumphant with a 3-2 victory, cementing their status as champions of the U19 Girls' Doubles category at the WTT Youth Star Contender. Zhou Jingyi's success extended beyond the doubles category, as she and her partner Izaac Quek triumphed in the Mixed Doubles event at the same tournament a day before her U19 Girls' Doubles victory. #SportPlusSG #TableTennis

14 awards presented at Singapore Disability Sports Awards (SDSA) 2023, acknowledging both community contributions and outstanding high-performance achievements Singapore, 16 November 2023 - An exceptional array of 14 awards was presented at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards (SDSA) 2023, acknowledging both community contributions and outstanding high-performance achievements. Notably, para swimmers emerged as frontrunners, with defending double world champion Yip Pin Xiu securing the prestigious title of Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. Commonwealth Games silver medalist Toh Wei Soong, who had improved on his 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze, added to the night's acclaim by clinching his second consecutive Sportsman of the Year award. The ceremony, held this year on 15 November at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, has been organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) since 1996 to honour the achievements and contributions made by outstanding individuals and groups in disability sports. The Team of the Year award went to 2022 ASEAN Para Games boccia gold medalists Aloysius Gan and Toh Sze Ning, as well as their competition partners Kagan Gan, who is also Aloysius’ father, and Chew Zi Qun. This marked the second consecutive year that 17-year-old Aloysius has clinched the Team award, this time with a different partner, highlighting his exceptional consistency in performance. Wong Zhi Wei, a Year 1 student at National University of Singapore who claimed double gold at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in the 50m and 100m Freestyle S13 events, earned the prestigious title of Sportsboy of the Year—an extraordinary achievement, especially considering his kidney transplant just three years prior, as he continues to manage his health while on medication. Breaking new ground for deaf athletes, bowler Adelia Naomi Yokoyama, who amassed eight medals at the Deaflympics 2022 and SEA Deaf Games 2022, made history as she secured the title of Sportsgirl of the Year. The dedication and guidance of coaches were also lauded at the event. Former national bowler William Woo Nam Fatt claimed the Coach of the Year (High Performance) award for his stellar contribution to the deaf bowling team’s successes at the SEA Deaf Games 2022 and Deaflympics 2022. Additionally, para table tennis coach Goh Chyuan was honoured as Coach of the Year (Development) for leading the para table tennis team to a series of victories at the ASEAN Para Games 2022. This year's event introduced several new awards to honour community contributions, such as 'Coach of the Year (Community)', 'Spirit of Sport (Male / Female / Team)', and the splitting of the 'Event/Initiative of the Year' award into 'Event of the Year' and 'Community Changemaker of the Year'. "As Singapore's disability sports scene grows, it's crucial to acknowledge that our para athletes' incredible achievements are thanks to the whole community's support. Likewise, the rising awareness of their successes has boosted the overall support for our community. We aim to highlight these combined contributions to showcase the diverse successes individuals with disabilities can achieve in para sports and the varied roles stakeholders can play in empowering these achievements," shared Ms Kelly Fan, Executive Director of SDSC. The 2023 awards rigorously evaluated the achievements and contributions of nominees spanning from April 2022 to March 2023. This year, the nominations surged to 80, marking a notable increase from the previous year's 30. The nominees represented a diverse range, spanning from 12 to 76 years old. Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Social and Family Affairs, emphasised the formidable challenge faced by the judging panel. He noted the panel's struggle in selecting winners for each award due to the exceptional talent and unwavering dedication showcased within the stories of every nominee. The Spirit of Sport (Male) award was eventually claimed by wheelchair basketballer Dexter Goh, a stalwart in the sport for more than two decades, who, at the age of 65, continues to play the sport weekly. Meanwhile, the Spirit of Sport (Female) award honoured boccia player and Paralympian Nurulasyiqah Taha. Despite facing vaccination-related travel restrictions, she persisted in self-training and channelled her disappointment into coaching others in the sport, showcasing resilience and selflessness. Earning the Spirit of Sport (Team) accolade, the Singapore Rollers, a powerchair football team, exhibited remarkable perseverance despite enduring severe health conditions requiring arduous transfers and travel for the sport. They also overcame initial hurdles, including the lack of specialised equipment and suitable locations, to play the sport they love, epitomising resilience in the face of adversity. Recognised as the Coach of the Year (Community), Lanny Kwok, Vice Principal of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (West), has been a fervent advocate for boccia for over two decades. Her efforts extend beyond the school, actively promoting boccia to individuals with disabilities in the wider community. Recently, she spearheaded the expansion of a new boccia community programme at Pasir Ris Sports Centre, underscoring her enduring commitment to the sport's growth and accessibility. The Community Changemaker of the Year award was claimed by Playbuddy, a ground-up initiative launched in 2016, dedicated to providing the joy of sports free to children with disabilities every weekend. This volunteer-driven program introduces a specific sport to participants for four to eight weeks before transitioning to another, fostering a diverse sports experience. The Volunteer of the Year title went to Yeo Jia Chyang, a dedicated senior volunteer at Special Olympics Singapore who has committed weekly to training members with intellectual impairment in swimming, come rain or shine, for more than a decade. Meanwhile, the Event of the Year award recognised Run for Inclusion 2022, organised by grassroot group RunningHour. The event had seen more than 2000 participants of all abilities run side by side at the Singapore Turf Club in December 2022. This year’s awards coincided with the 50th anniversary of the SDSC, which was formed by the then Ministry of Social Affairs in 1973 to promote sports for persons with disabilities in Singapore. Nearly 300 contributors and supporters within the disability sports sector were in attendance at Wednesday’s award ceremony to commemorate the golden jubilee. Notable figures included Mr. Raja Singh, one of the first Paralympians to represent Singapore in athletics in 1988; Ms. Theresa Goh, the first Singaporean world record holder in para sport, and Mr Ismail Hussain, the first blind bowling world champion for Singapore. Young athletes like 10-year-old Ryan Chandru, the youngest medalist of the National Boccia Championships 2023, were also present, signifying a continuum of excellence across generations. During the event, a time capsule, holding aspirations for para sports over the next 50 years, was sealed by Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, who served as the guest of honour. For the 9th year in a row, Haw Par Corporation reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to improving the access of persons with disabilities to sports, by generously presenting a $120,000 contribution to the SDSC. Notably, this marks the fifth consecutive year that Haw Par Corporation has backed the SDSA, aiding its revival in 2019 after an 11-year hiatus. Beyond the awards, Haw Par's substantial donation secures enhanced training and competitive opportunities for the Boccia team, fostering their development and promoting Boccia as an inclusive sport within the broader community. The donation also helps to sustain essential national youth competitions in athletics and swimming, crucial for identifying and nurturing emerging para-sports talents by SDSC. "Since our partnership with the SDSC began in 2015, we've been privileged to witness the unwavering resilience of our para athletes and dedication of the entire community, including coaches, caregivers, and volunteers. Their indomitable spirit serves as a profound inspiration to our society. Supporting the SDSC is our honour, allowing us to give these remarkable individuals the well-deserved recognition they have earned. We’re equally committed to ensuring more persons with disabilities can access a better quality of life through sports," stated Mr. Wee Ee Lim, President & CEO of Haw Par Corporation Limited. #SportPlusSG #DisabilitySportsAwards

SportPlus.sg joins Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon behind-the-scenes to debunk certain myths about how the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon race course is measured If you are a runner like me, you might have wondered how marathon race organisers go about measuring the race course. Or perhaps you might have run your lungs out, only to find out to your frustration after you cross the finish line that the marathon course came up either too short or too long on your GPS sports watch. Could you have run extra or did you not run enough? Here we look to debunk some of the common myths behind how a marathon race course is measured in the first of a five-part series we are doing in collaboration with Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Recently our SportPlus.sg team had the pleasure of joining IRONMAN Asia staff and Singapore Athletics behind-the-scenes as they went about measuring the marathon race course running route for the 2023 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Interestingly, 20 per cent of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon race-course this year is considered new, while 80 per cent remains pretty much the same as that of the 2022 edition. Back as a World Athletics Gold Label race this year, it is a requirement for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon's race course to be certified by a course measurer from World Athletics as a pre-requisite in order to achieve that status. Once a race course is certified, certification is valid for five years and need not be re-certified unless there is a change in the race route within that period. Just how difficult could measuring a marathon course be, you might ask? Well it's not quite as simple as we initially thought. And definitely not done simply by riding down a course with your GPS smart watch switched on. Course measurement is usually preceded by calibration of equipment used to measure the course, taking place a day before the actual measurement. Kim Vivian, Grade A IAAF-AIMS Course Measurer, who helped measure this year's Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon course, shared: "We need to get the calibration course within a milimetre of accuracy, it has got to be incredibly accurate. A five milimetre movement when you do a 42km marathon, it’s multiplied hundreds of times so that should become quite a big difference." "The tape measure we use is actually an engineering tape measure. It’s made of steel and specially calibrated, as we've got to apply a certain amount of tension to it and we also make temperature adjustments to it taking into consideration fluctuations in the climate." So how is it that different runners come back after a race with different distances showing on their GPS smart watches? This was what we wanted to find out, and the exact question we asked Kim. "When you’re measuring a course, you’ve got to measure the shortest possible route while you're out there. You’ve got to make sure that it’s impossible for a runner to run less than the required distance," began Kim with a chuckle. He continued, "Most of the runners, they always run slightly more because they don’t run the shortest possible line and unfortunately for recreational runners like your weekend warriors, they will tend to keep to the left hand side of the road and actually run a lot further than they need to." "Elite runners know what they’re doing so they will run the shortest line but your social runners won’t. They’ll be running with their friends, sticking to the left hand side of the road because that’s what they always do when they go out for a jog on the weekend." "Even in a straight line, a GPS will deviate a little bit. They’re very good but probably 99% accurate but that means they are 1% inaccurate as well." "Meanwhile this system that we use it’s only 0.1 % inaccurate so we’re about ten times more accurate than a GPS. The GPS is not perfect. It’s a good, great tool and a great guide but it’s not perfect." How Much of the Race Course of Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2023 is new? Now that we have gotten the race course measurement part out of the way, which parts of the 2023 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon course are new? Liang Weisong, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Course Manager, shared some useful insights for those who may be curious like we are. "20 per cent is new because we have the new West Coast Highway, the extended stretch. We also have the new finish line at the National Stadium. The rest of it is mostly the same. The new changes is because of the new venue. That’s why we have the new addition as part of the course," said Liang. While these are interesting nuggets of information that not every runner may appreciate while running the Singapore marathon course, we got curious and asked Wei Song how long he has been doing this job for and why he is passionate about his work. Liang shared: "Actually, it’s my second of third year doing so. Of course at the start, we didn’t get to see how these things were being done. So when we first started, we were thinking the same as all the runners... 'How do you measure this course? What kind of gears and equipment did they use?'" "When we saw it, it’s actually a lot more technical than we thought so it’s a learning lesson for everyone including us and the team." #SgMarathon #SCSM2023 #RaceCourse #InsideSCSM