Hangzhou 2022: Team Singapore inspired a nation with Asiad displays

By Patrick Johnston

The country's Asian Games team were lauded for inspiring the Singapore spirit with their competitive displays in Hangzhou. 

With a handful of events still to go before Sunday’s (Oct 8) closing ceremony, Singapore had won 16 medals in Hangzhou; three gold, six silver and seven bronze.

Singapore Sport Institute (SSI) chief Su Chun Wei, SNOC secretary-general Chris Chan and chef de mission Professor Koh Koon Teck were full of praise for the team of 427 athletes, the largest contingent that Singapore has ever sent to an Asiad.

"This, in my view, is a successful Asian Games for Team Singapore and we have continued to set new highs," said Su. 

"Many of these performances that we have witnessed here in Hangzhou have inspired the Singapore spirit and united the people of Singapore together."

The trio highlighted the gold medal winning performances of Shanti Pereira in the women’s 200 metres, and silver in the 100m which ended a 49-year wait for an athletics medal. There was also praise for gold medal-winning sailors Ryan Lo and Max Maeder.

The trio should be part of the team that goes to Paris for the 2024 Games next year.

Kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder punches his fist in delight while holding the Singapore flag after winning the Asian Games men’s formula kite gold medal at the Ningbo Xiangshan Sailing Centre. (Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee)

"It is worthy to note that most of these medals were from Olympic events and sports. This demonstrates that we have the ability and strength and depth of capability to win beyond SEA Games at the Asian and world level," Su added.

"I trust the inspiring performances of our medalists here at the Asian Games will continue to spur Team Singapore towards being bold, to dream and to win."

Shanti Pereira holds the Singapore flag as she celebrates winning the Asian Games women’s 200 metre gold medal. (Photo: Sport Singapore/Weixiang Lim)

While medals are often the only metric for many at a multi-sport Games, the panel were keen to highlight the competitive displays by those who just missed out on the podium in China.

With one day of competition remaining, 36 national records had been set by Team Singapore athletes at the Games, while 14 personal best milestones had also been lodged.

Given that 334 of the 427 athletes in Hangzhou were making their Asian Games debut, this was a particularly pleasing return from a young team that will be older and wise in three years time when the Asiad goes to Japan.

"Overall our performance at the Asian Games demonstrates the effectiveness of Singapore's sport development framework to continue to generate cohorts of younger athletes across sporting events," Su said..

"And we endeavour to continue to develop them to unlock their potential, to come back stronger and better at the next Games."

Chan said the large contingent in Hangzhou had been a credit to the country and all deserving of a place in the field.

“The standards at the Asian Games are exceptional, we have achieved some significant wins and let’s build on this momentum to continue strengthening the sporting system and culture for Singapore as we prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” he said.

This view was echoed by Professor Koh, who also praised the wider team that helped the athletes perform in China. 

“We have witnessed many heartfelt performances by our athletes. Everyone contributed to put in their utmost to work for one common goal – to do Singapore proud. Credit must go to all in the contingent for Singapore’s success at the Games, as well as those who have supported the athletes back home.”

Professor Koh Koon Teck, chef de mission for Team Singapore at the Games, discusses the team’s performances in Hangzhou with reporters. (Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee)

The 19th Asian Games are held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023. 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.