Bahrain 2025: 29 Oct Highlights

Team Singapore athletes continued to deliver inspiring performances on Day 8 of competition at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, with Sofia Anabel Rivas capturing gold in jiu-jitsu, and several swimmers recorded new personal bests in the pool. The contingent's performances reflected the spirit of determination and pride that defines Team Singapore.

Jiu-Jitsu

Singapore’s Sofia Anabel Rivas clinched a gold medal in the Girls’ -52kg category, marking a proud moment for Team Singapore at the Games.

Sofia began her campaign with a 2–0 points victory over Buyanbat Buyantsatsral (Mongolia) in the Quarterfinals, before edging Chu Phuong Nghi of Vietnam 4–2 in the semifinals.

In the final, she faced Kapan Kamila (Kazakhstan) in a tactical and closely fought contest. After a tense 0–0 draw, Sofia prevailed 3–1 on advantages, securing the gold medal for Singapore.

Her composure and determination throughout the competition that led to her gold medal exemplify the best of what it means to be a Team Singapore athlete.

Team Singapore's Sofia Anabel Rivas battles to secure a strong position over her opponent. Photo: Andy Chua/SNOC

Swimming

It was another strong day in the pool for Team Singapore, with multiple swimmers turning in standout performances and setting new personal bests.

In the Boys’ 100m Backstroke Final, Reagan Cheng Kuo Shiong and Tedd Windsor Chan III Heng Kai both delivered outstanding races. Reagan finished fourth with a time of 57.12, while Tedd clocked 57.33 to place fifth, setting a new personal best. Earlier in the heats, Reagan had qualified as the second-fastest swimmer with 57.60, while Tedd advanced joint 6th in 58.01, showcasing consistency and strong progression across both rounds. It was a busy day for Reagan Cheng, who competed in a total of five races, demonstrating remarkable endurance and focus.

In the Girls’ 200m Freestyle, Sarah Sim En Xi qualified eighth overall in the heats (2:09.07, new personal best) and went even faster in the final, clocking 2:09.04 to finish seventh, lowering her personal best once again. Teammate Yo Ee Xin Megan Janice finished 16th overall (2:12.91).

In the Boys’ 200m Freestyle, Reagan Cheng (1:58.55, 17th) and Lim Zhequan Lawrence (2:00.94, 21st) both swam solid races in a competitive field of 40.

The Girls’ 100m Backstroke saw Julia Yeo Shu Ning (1:06.56, 13th) and Ng Shi Ying Charlotte (1:07.25, 16th, new personal best) deliver commendable efforts, but did not advance to the final.

In the Boys’ 100m Breaststroke, Ho Chong Yan achieved a new personal best of 1:05.52, ranking 10th overall. Benjamin Tan finished 15th overall with 1:06.11. Despite the strong showing, both of them did not advance to the final.

Among the girls, Neo Joy Ning Suan (1:14.65, 10th) and Chew En Vivienne (1:16.18, 15th) both swam well in the Girls' 100m Breaststroke Heats.

Capping off the evening, the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay team of Chew En Vivienne, Ho Chong Yan, Reagan Cheng, and Yo Ee Xin Megan Janice placed fifth in the heats with a timing of 4:06.10 to qualify for the final. In the final, they improved to 4:03.95, finishing sixth overall. It was an excellent team effort to end the swimming programme on a high note.

Team Singapore's Ho Chong Yan dives into the pool for his turn at the relay. Photo: Andy Chua/SNOC

Table Tennis

In table tennis, Loy Ming Ying demonstrated skill and resilience throughout the Girls’ Singles competition. After a strong 3–1 victory over Mak Ming (Hong Kong) in the Round of 16, she advanced to face Lin Wan-Rong (Chinese Taipei) in the quarterfinals.

In a thrilling five-set battle, Ming Ying narrowly missed out 3–2, with the deciding set ending 19–17, a testament to her tenacity and fighting spirit.

Team Singapore's Loy Ming Ying had a duel with Mak Ming of Hong Kong in the Round of 16 matchup. Photo: Andy Chua/SNOC

Day 8 at the Asian Youth Games was filled with pride and progress for Team Singapore, headlined by Sofia Rivas’ historic gold medal in jiu-jitsu and a string of personal bests in the pool.

Across every event, our young athletes continue to compete with heart, unity, and belief, proudly representing the Lion City on the continental stage.