SEA Games 2025: Singapore Badminton Teams Settle For Bronze After Semi-final Defeats

Singapore Badminton Men’s and Women’s Teams saw their gold medal hopes end at the semi-final stage on Monday (Dec 8), with both squads falling to regional powerhouses and settling for bronze medals at the SEA Games in Thailand.

The women’s team were swept 3–0 by defending champions Thailand at Thammasat University Gymnasium 4 in Pathum Thani, while the men fell 3–1 to Indonesia in their semi-final clash.

World No. 146 Nur Insyirah Khan fought hard against World No. 6 Pornpawee Chochuwong but fell 21-14, 21-15 in the women's team semi-final. SportSG/ Jeremy Lee

These results marked Singapore’s first medals of the Games. The men secured back-to-back bronze medals following their 2023 success in Cambodia, while the women continued their recent podium run with another bronze, adding to their medals from 2021 and 2023.

The women faced a formidable challenge against the hosts, who have been unbeaten at the SEA Games since 2011. Singapore’s young squad, were unable to match Thailand’s firepower across all three matches.

Nur Insyirah Khan put up a strong fight against Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong, the World No. 6, but eventually fell 21–14, 21–15 in 45 minutes. In the first doubles, Jin Yujia and Li Zhengyan were outplayed 21–6, 21–10, before former world champion Ratchanok Intanon closed out the tie by defeating Megan Lee 21–8, 21–10 to seal Thailand’s 3–0 victory.

"I'm actually quite happy to have had the chance to play at this level," said Lee after the match. "I feel that it's good learning for us as well as a good experience. After this week's performance, I think it has given me a bit of confidence, whether I have won or lost."

Megan Lee remained positive despite her loss to Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon, saying the experience had given her confidence. SportSG/ Jeremy Lee

National Singles Head Coach Kim Ji-Hyun praised her young charges despite the lopsided result. "I was really impressed with the amount of energy from the younger ones; they fought hard," she said. "They gave everything, even though there is a huge gap in levels. We need time. We need to be patient with the players and for them to work hard."

The men’s team fared better, with World No. 10 and former world champion Loh Kean Yew delivering Singapore’s lone point in the opening singles match. He defeated World No. 17 Alwi Farhan 21–15, 14–21, 21–8 in 56 minutes in their first career meeting.

"It was an intense game; it wasn't easy at all," said Loh. "To be able to win a point for Team Singapore, I’m happy for sure."

Former world champion Loh Kean Yew delivered Singapore's only win, defeating World number 17 Alwi Farhan in 56 minutes. SportSG/ Jeremy Lee

However, Indonesia’s depth proved decisive. Jason Teh, ranked 21st in the world, faced an inspired performance from Indonesia’s Zaki Ubaidillah and was unable to find his rhythm, eventually going down 21–2, 21–13. Despite the scoreline, Teh continued to fight for every point and showed determination against an opponent playing at his peak.

"I'm speechless. I just found it super, super tough to get even one point from him," said Teh. "I prepared myself for a tough game, but I don't know what happened in the first game. I tried to forget about this in the second game, but I just couldn't push through his spirit and momentum today."

Jason Teh struggled to find his rhythm against Indonesia's Zaki Ubaidillah, losing 21-2, 21-13 in a match he described as "super tough". SportSG/ Jeremy Lee


In doubles action, World No. 51 pair Junsuke Kubo and Wesley Koh pushed their World No. 8 Indonesian opponents to three games, before falling 21–18, 18–21, 21–10 to Sabar Gutama and Reza Isfahani. Leo Carnando and Bagas Maulana then clinched Indonesia’s 3–1 victory by defeating Donovan Wee and Howin Wong 21–12, 21–19.

Both teams will now shift their focus to the individual events, which begin on Dec 11. Singapore’s flag bearer, Yeo Jia Min (World No. 18), who was rested for the team event, will compete in the women’s singles. Loh Kean Yew will also return to action in the men’s singles as the top-ranked player at this SEA Games.

By SportSG/Jeremy Lee