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Diyanah Aqidah Muhammad Dian Khudairi and Nicholas Khaw won Singapore's first gold medal of the 33rd SEA Games. Photo: SNOC/ Lim Wei Xiang
Training, trust and technique proved to be a winning combination for taekwondo exponents Diyanah Aqidah Muhammad Dian Khudairi and Nicholas Khaw on Dec 10. The duo defeated Vietnam 8.67-8.44 in the mixed recognised poomsae pair final at the Fashion Island Mall in Bangkok to clinch Singapore’s first gold of the 33rd SEA Games.
It is also the Republic’s first SEA Games gold in this event, and first poomsae title since the 2015 edition.
Diyanah Aqidah Muhammad Dian Khudairi and Nicholas Khaw in action during the mixed recognised poomsae pair event on Dec 10. Photo: SNOC/ Lim Wei Xiang
Diyanah, who is competing in her fifth SEA Games, said: “Everybody wanted to win gold. For me, I didn’t want to think too much, I just wanted to enjoy myself. I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself, because it would affect (Khaw) too, so we just enjoyed each round. Our training helped us a lot, and we just trusted each other.”
The pair, who first teamed up during the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships last year, defeated Laos and the Philippines in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
Khaw, who is currently serving National Service, noted that their month-long training camp in South Korea led to improved synchronisation in Thailand.
“We learnt quite a few techniques in Korea, and I’m glad that we could put them to use. We were training non-stop for the past month, and we actually had very little time to change our techniques and to merge them together as a pair,” he said. “The amount (of work) we put in came together to get us this gold.”
The 20-year-old also paid tribute to his older sister Nicole, who bagged a silver in the women’s freestyle poomsae individual event earlier in the day. He said: “She’s always been talking about wanting to compete in the SEA Games, and I’m glad we both got medals.”
Nicole Khaw won the women's freestyle poomsae individual silver on Dec 10. Photo: SNOC/Lim Wei Xiang
For 26-year-old Nicole, her SEA Games debut has left her hungry for more.
“It feels really surreal, and it still feels like it hasn’t happened yet,” she said. “I truly can’t believe it’s over, and I can’t wait to do it again. I’m looking to work on my skills and all the other details, and just going up from here.
“I’m also working towards the 2029 SEA Games. This is my first SEA Games, and I don’t think it’s going to stop here. I feel like this is the start for me. I’m excited to work all the way into 2029 and bring back the gold on home ground.”
Nicole Khaw performing her freestyle poomsae individual routine. The 26-year-old, who used to be a gymnast, started taekwondo at age 14. Photo: SNOC/ Lim Wei Xiang
Teammate Darren Yap won a joint-bronze in the men’s individual freestyle poomsae, sharing third place with Malaysian Chin Ken Haw.
Singapore’s taekwondo exponents return to action on Dec 11 with the start of the kyorugi event.
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.
