SEA Games 2025: Singapore wins historic 3x3 basketball medal

(from left) Liam Blakney, Nur Aufa Emil Putra, Xu Duanyang and Ching Zhen Yu. Photo: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew

Singapore’s 3x3 basketball team made history at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok on Dec 11, winning the Republic’s first SEA Games medal in the event. 

The team comprising Ching Zhen Yu, Liam Blakney, Nur Aufa Emil Putra and Xu Duanyang put up a courageous display against Thailand in the final, before being subdued 18-21 by the hosts. 

The young Singapore team had earlier defeated Indonesia 20-18 to advance to the semi-finals, where they edged out 2019 champions Philippines 21-20. 

Singapore captain Nur Aufa Emil Putra in action during the 3x3 basketball final against Thailand on Dec 11. Photo: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew

In the final, Thailand took control from the starting whistle, backed by a raucous home crowd whose cheers never waned throughout. But Singapore did not back down, keeping the score close throughout. Two free throws from captain Aufa narrowed the gap to two points, until the Thais shot the game-winning basket to seal the win. 

Singapore Nur Aufa Emil Putra (centre) with teammates Ching Zhen Yu (left) and Liam Blakney (right). Photo: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew

Aufa, who emitted a happy squeal when told of the significance of their achievement, said: “It means that what we’ve been working on for the last two years has led to progress and growth. It shows that we are taking the proper steps. 

“To us, this is another step before we go onto the world level. We want to win the Asia Cup, we want to go to a World Cup and, hopefully reach the Olympics one day. Hopefully we progress, and in future (inspire) kids who might get interested today.”

After a successful first SEA Games outing, his sights are set on going one better at the next edition. “When I represent the country, I’m definitely not disappointed because we did what the country wanted. Our job was to get a podium finish, and we got silver. That’s much nicer, right? But as an athlete, nobody plays for second. That’s our next step. We gotta go for first the next time,” he added. 

Singapore head coach Lazar Rasic with the players during the 3x3 basketball final on Dec 11. Photo: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew

Singapore head coach Lazar Rasic was emotional as he reflected on his charges’ showing at the Thailand Games, noting that their performance bodes well for the future. 

“These are young players, we have two players from the under-21 roster (Blakney and Ching) and one from the under-21 team (Xu), and Aufa is 24. 

“I think we are the youngest here, which is a good thing because they have a lot of room and space for improvement, and to become even better,” added Rasic, who joined the national set-up two years ago. 

“Thank you to Singapore for supporting our programme; nothing would have been possible without this support coming towards us, so I hope that we bring them happiness like this in the future and more. 

“The players have been working very hard over the last two years in preparation for the SEA Games, and I think Singapore should be proud of them.”

Three of the four Singapore players are first-timers at these Games, with only Xu having competed at the 2023 edition in the 5v5 format. 

The 23-year-old attributed their achievement to strong support from their coaches and teammates, saying: “They were really the ones who managed to help us achieve this medal. I also believe the reason we got here was because the four of us really bonded, and I’d like to thank them – we fought together, and that’s the most important thing for me. This is my second SEA Games and my first medal … it’s definitely more special.

“I hope this medal motivates all the basketball athletes in Singapore by (inspiring) them to think that Singapore can win in upcoming SEA Games, and that silver is not our end goal. It is the gold.”

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.