Thailand 2025: Toh Wei Soong takes Team Singapore’s first medal in Korat

Para swimmer Toh Wei Soong, competing at his fourth edition of the ASEAN Para Games, took Team Singapore's first medal in Thailand with a silver in the men's 400m freestyle S7. Photo: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

As far as Toh Wei Soong is concerned, a silver medal was a good way to start the 13th ASEAN Para Games, as well as the season ahead. 

Coming in second in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 gave him enough assurance that he is on the right track as far as training and preparation is concerned, but still retaining a hunger for more. 

His medal was Team Singapore’s first of the biennial Games, and also the first of two medals from the pool on the first day of competition. Teammate Danielle Moi also took a silver in the women’s 100m butterfly S14.

Toh finished in 5min 22.87sec, finishing behind familiar rival Ernie Gawilan of the Philippines (5:02.39). 

Toh is slated to compete in various 50m and 100m sprint events in the coming days. Photo: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

Said Toh, an APG veteran now at his fourth Games: “I really want to focus on setting the right tone in terms of preparation and competition mindset. To me, the psychological part of competing is very important, and if you trust in your training, then all that stuff is (just the) mental part. This is a meet I’m hoping to set the tone for the rest of the year with.”

The 28-year-old is, by training, more of a sprinter, and is favoured for events to come. Opting to compete in the gruelling 400m, however, is a choice he makes to ensure he continues to excel in the sprints. 

Added Toh, who also took a silver at the last edition in Cambodia: “Even though I’m a sprint specialist, it’s still important as a swimmer to be holistic and to have an event that pushes you out of your comfort zone, especially if it calls upon you to have that conditioning that you may not otherwise get. 

“You take the philosophy that if you truly master your stroke and fitness, you will be able to moderate the speed depending on the event.”

Toh still has the 50m butterfly and freestyle, as well as the 100m freestyle and backstroke events coming up. 

He said: “Nerves are not so much an issue. It’s more about getting into the right mindset, leading the races with confidence.”

Danielle Moi in action in the women's 100m butterfly S14 en route to taking silver. Photo: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

Teammate Danielle Moi also enjoyed a promising start to the Games, taking silver in her first race. 

She clocked 1min 14.83sec to finish behind Syuci Indriani of Indonesia (1:11.41). 

She said: “I’m very excited to have a medal for my first event for these Games. I started strong, with great mindset and confidence, and I hope to keep the momentum going for the rest of my events.” 

Moi is bringing to Korat competition experience gained from the big leagues, such as the World Para Swimming Championships, which Singapore hosted last year. 

She said: “I have learnt to take the small wins and to compete against myself and better myself in each race.”

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.