Tan marked his long-awaited return to the Asian Para Games with a resounding win in the men's individual BC1 pool stage. Photo: SNPC/Dyan Tjhia
Returning to the Asian Para Games, where he won a debut gold medal in the Hansa 303 double-handed event with Yap Qian Yin, four-time Paralympian Jovin Tan had scarcely imagined that he would ever compete at the quadrennial competition again after the sport was removed from the programme.
“My last appearance at the Asian Para Games was in 2014, when I competed in sailing. As sailing was not included in subsequent editions of the Games, it makes this opportunity to return and represent Singapore in a different sport even more meaningful,” said Tan, who switched to the indoor sport just four years ago.
And Tan announced his return in style with an 8-0 trouncing of China’s Luo Guanzhong in his opening men’s individual BC1 pool match at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium Rainbow Hall.
“I'm happy with my performance in the opening match, and it's certainly encouraging to start the competition on a positive note. At the same time, I know there are still areas where I can improve, and I'll continue to work on them as the competition progresses.
“Every match is a fresh start, regardless of the previous result. For me, it's about resetting my mindset, staying focused on the next challenge and giving my best each time I compete.”
And Tan’s immediate challenge will come in the form of world No.14 Kazakh Kuanysh Askarbekov on Tuesday (Oct 20), whom he has faced before.
“I know the level of competition here is very strong. Every athlete has worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent their country, and I have great respect for that.
"My approach is to stay focused on my own game, execute my shots to the best of my ability and enjoy the experience. I'm taking the competition one match at a time, without looking too far ahead,” said Tan, who might face world No.1 Muhamad Syafa of Indonesia in the quarterfinals, depending on the results of his final group match against Askarbekov.
But the world No.6’s rapid rise in his new sport has often seen him upset the odds against more experienced opposition, having bagged an ASEAN Para Games gold in January and a first World Cup gold in Montreal in May.
“I'm grateful for the achievements and experiences I've gained so far, including my medal in Astana earlier this June. Every competition has been a valuable opportunity to learn, improve and grow as an athlete,” Tan reflected.
It was another positive start for Aloysius Gan in the men’s individual BC3 as he beat Chinese Taipei’s Chang Tzu-wei 6-2.
Meanwhile, Paralympic silver medallist Jeralyn Tan lost her first match in the women’s individual BC1 competition 8-1 to Iran’s world No.36 Neda Ghayebi.
Tan kept within striking distance at the midway point of the match, scoring her first point in the second end to stay at 2-1.
But a porous third end saw her concede five points.
Fortunately, she will have an extra day of rest to regroup, and three more pool matches to turn around her disappointing start, beginning with a clash against Thailand’s Piyarat Chanyadi on Monday afternoon (Oct 19).
In the women’s individual BC3 event, Nurulasyiqah Mohammad Taha also fell to China’s world No.36 Yang Beibei 6-3.
The 41-year-old raced to a commanding 3-0 start, but her opponent clawed back to go level at 3-3 heading into the final end.
The recently-crowned BC3 mixed pairs world champion with Gan will face home hope Yuika Sakai on Monday in her second pool match.
The 5th Asian Para Games are held in Japan from 18 to 24 October 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.