Asian Para Games 2026: Singapore Tandem Pair Clinch Bronze, Secures Singapore’s Second Cycling Medal

The pair's bronze was just the second Games medal in the sport for Singapore. Photo: SNPC/ David Wirawan

While much of the action unfolded in the heart of Nagoya, para cyclist Tan Cheng Jui and pilot Sarah Tan made their mark more than 100 miles away at the Cycle Sports Centre 5km Circuit Course, racing to a bronze medal in the women’s B individual time trial (15km).

“Winning bronze at my first Asian Para Games is truly special and meaningful. It represents all the hard work, sacrifices and challenges along the journey. I’m grateful to my coach, pilot Sarah and everyone who believed in me. This medal reminds me that anything is possible when we keep believing and never give up,” Cheng Jui said.

“When I first started competing, I simply wanted to challenge myself, learn and improve. I never imagined winning a medal at the Asian Para Games so soon. It has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported and guided me,” said the 32-year-old who made her competitive debut in 2023.

On Wednesday (Oct 21), the pair crossed the line in 34min 31.92sec. Kazakhstan’s Anastassiya Kalaus (32:21.54) clinched gold while Robiyakhon Toshpulatova (32:45.82) of Uzbekistan was right behind.

The tandem pair competing in the road race two days after clinching bronze in the time trial. Photo: SNPC/ David Wirawan

The pair’s accolade was the second Games medal for Team Singapore in the sport, the last coming in 2018 when Emily Lee won bronze in the women’s B road race event together with Sarah.

The bronze was sweet redemption for the pair who came just shy of a podium spot after a fourth-placed finish (36:12.197) in the women’s individual time trial Tandem B final at January’s ASEAN Para Games.

“We are incredibly happy and proud. Coming so close in Korat motivated us to work even harder. Racing in the rain on a challenging course wasn’t easy, but we trusted each other, stayed focused and gave our best. This bronze medal is a wonderful reward for our teamwork and perseverance,” Cheng Jui added.

Her partner, Steve Tee, who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics as Singapore's first-ever male tandem cycling pair alongside sighted pilot Ang Kee Meng, was “incredibly proud and happy”.

“He congratulated me and reminded me that this medal is not just about winning, but about how far I’ve come. He always encourages me to believe in myself, stay humble and keep pushing beyond my limits,” she said, adding that it was Tee who inspired her to pick up the sport.

“Steve’s journey has always inspired me. Seeing what he achieved reminds me that dreams are possible with determination and hard work. Qualifying for the Paralympics would be a dream come true, but for now, I want to keep improving, gaining experience and taking one race at a time.”

On Friday (Oct 23), Cheng Jui and Sarah completed their tenth lap of the women’s B road race (55km) in a time of 2:08:02 to finish fourth and wrap up a commendable debut campaign.

Amsyar improved from 10th in the time trial to fifth in the road race. Photo: SNPC/ David Wirawan

Meanwhile, teammate and fellow debutant Muhammad Nur Amsyar Abdemanaf was 10th in the men’s Handcycle H1-5 time trial (10km) and fifth in the Handcycle H4-H5 Road Race (50km).

ASEAN Para Games gold medallist Sebastian Tan placed 8th in the men’s Tricycle T1-2 time trial (10km).

Sebastian also finished 8th in the Men's Tricycle T1-T2 Road Race (30km).

Reigning ASEAN Para Games gold medallist Sebastian made his Asian Para Games debut in the T1-2 time trial and road race. Photo: SNPC/ David Wirawan

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.