The Singapore netball team claimed silver at the 2025 SEA Games. Photo: SportSG/Jeremy Lee
The Singapore netball team suffered a heartbreaking 52-49 defeat by two-time defending champions Malaysia to settle for a third straight SEA Games silver.
Singapore were trailing 10-6 in the first quarter after a few early turnovers caused by missed shots, but they shook off the opening nerves to lead 13-12 after the first 15 minutes.
They then upped the tempo to force more mistakes from Malaysia. A tighter defence also saw Malaysia struggle to penetrate their goal circle, limiting them to just 10 goals that quarter.
Meanwhile, Singapore co-captain and goal attack Toh Kai Wei worked relentlessly and combined well with goal shooter Amandeep Chahal to score 15 goals and stretch their lead to 28-22 at half-time.
Never ones to back down, Malaysia came back more alert and earned crucial interceptions to eventually level things at 38-all before the final quarter.
They carried their momentum to lead 45-41 early in the fourth quarter, but Singapore never gave up and narrowed the gap to just one in the closing stages of the game. However, they ran out of time and were defeated 59-42.
While disappointed in the result, co-captain and debutante Khor Ting Fang will be taking the lessons learnt this campaign with her as the team prepares for the 2026 Asian Championship.
She said: “We’ve been working towards this target for the whole year and we wanted to start strong and we did that. But as the game went on, we lost control. There were some passes where we could have been more disciplined with and those little one-pointers add up.
“That’s something we’ll take away as a lesson to learn for the next time, knowing that control we need is to be sustained all 60 minutes of the game.”
Reflecting on her first SEA Games outing after missing the 2019 edition due to an injury, she added: “It’s been really exciting and I’m thankful to have the chance to be here at this SEA Games. To have the support of all our fans, friends and family who came down is also something really special.
“To be able to do this together with other athletes as well – we see them in the lift, the dining hall – just exchanging encouragement with one another is something really special and that’s something that only comes at the SEA Games for us.”
After the final whistle, Toh said: “Nothing is on my mind right now, it’s blank. But what I told the girls is wait for the next one, we’re going to get it back.
“We started well today compared to the first game we had with them. It was just about staying focused and consistent throughout the four quarters. They were more controlled this time with their passes.”
Still, the 29-year-old had a fruitful experience leading the team in Bangkok after being the youngest when she made her debut in 2017. She was also part of the 2019 team, while netball was not featured in the last two editions.
She added: “I was the youngest in 2017 and now I’m the oldest. I definitely see some growth in myself on court and off court.
“Previously I was just a baby and now I’m leading the team and it’s been great to experience something new. I’m glad to do this with the team.”
The 33rd SEA Games are held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025. 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.