Thailand 2025: Jovin Tan wins as Aloysius Gan, Nurulasyiqah Mohammad Taha make it hat-trick of boccia golds

A triumphant day for Team Singapore's boccia players in Korat, winning three golds and two bronzes. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

As a four-time Paralympic sailor, Jovin Tan knows a thing or two about navigating his way out of rough seas. 

The 39-year-old called on his vast experience as an elite athlete on January 23, as he defied a partisan crowd and the odds to win his first ASEAN Para Games gold as a boccia player. 

He defeated Witsanu Huadpradit of Thailand 4-1 at Korat’s Chatchai Hall to win the men’s BC1 individual event, avenging an earlier loss to the same opponent in the pool stage.

“The gold medal match was tough, and there was a lot of pressure, but I did what I needed to do,” said Tan. 

Tan, a four-time Paralympic sailor, switched to boccia after sailing was taken off the Paralympic roster. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

Tan, who made a pivot to boccia after sailing was taken off the Paralympic roster, was buoyed by a confidence-boosting showing in the semi-final. Despite less experience, the Singaporean earned his spot in the gold-medal match by beating world No. 2 Muhamad Afrizal Syafa of Indonesia in the final four. 

“Winning that match does give me a bit of confidence,” said Tan. Still, he had to find a way to get past Huadpradit. 

“It’s like a re-match… it’s really good that I had a match with him yesterday. I could understand more about his playing style.” 

There was also the unfamiliar environment of playing under the watchful eye of spectators, with cheers and chants coming from home supporters. 

He said: “Boccia is a very different sport compared to sailing. In sailing, there are fewer spectators out at sea, or even none. In boccia, you’re playing in a stadium where there are supporters from the locals, or your opponents’ side. It’s quite different.

“(But) competing four times before at the Paralympics does help me in the sense of being a competitive athlete.” 

As far as Tan is concerned, an APG title is just a stepping stone to his lofty ambitions of being on a Paralympic podium. 

He said: “Winning a gold medal is a good start, but to me, it’s just scratching the surface. There’s more to improve, more to learn. It’s important because it’s a form of assurance that my hard work has paid off. It’s definitely a good way to start.”

Being a competitive athlete way back then, it’s really fortunate, or an opportunity for me to get back to the competitive arena. I hope to see more people, and persons with disabilities to come forward to try new sports. Just give themselves a chance to be exposed to a new set-up or something different. 

From my experience, I hope that more people will be able to see that everything is possible as long as you give yourself a chance. 

After settling for silver at the last two editions of the APG, patience finally bore fruit in the form of gold for Aloysius Gan. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

For teammate Gan, gold was sweet success, after the disappointment of settling for silver at the last two editions of the APG. 

Said the 19-year-old, who won his final against Withun Chanthakhat of Thailand 3-1: “It means a lot to me. After two silvers, this gold feels like a dream. It’s for everyone who stood by me. 

“It was hard (missing out on gold twice before). But I used the disappointment as fuel. My family and I trained harder. I just kept believing.”

At world No. 6, Gan was the highest-ranked player in the field, a billing that brings with it substantial pressure. 

He said: “Rankings are from the past. Today was new. I just focused on playing well, not on being number one. I focus on what I can control: my next shot, my strategy. That keeps my mind clear.” 

Likewise, Nurulasyiqah kept her sight set on the mission at hand as she overcame an early setback in the pool stage to beat the same opponent and finish on top of the podium. 

Nurulasyiqah Mohammad Taha, a veteran competitor on the global boccia stage, won gold in the women's BC3 individual event. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

She beat Suci Kirana Dewi of Indonesia 6-1 in the final.

She said: “I was disappointed when I lost my opening match… and thought that it is impossible to clinch the gold medal.

“I’ve learnt that just as there are many roads that lead to Rome, there are many roads that lead to a gold medal.”

As one of Singapore’s most experienced boccia players, the 40-year-old said of the team’s three-gold achievement: “We are small, but we are mighty. The team around the team works really hard to ensure not just the athletes and sports assistants are in good shape, but our balls and equipment are too. 

“The victory ceremony is simply a snapshot of a moment in our long journey.”

The 13th ASEAN Para Games are held in Thailand from 20 to 26 January 2026. 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.