SINGAPORE — Singapore’s sprint queen, Shanti Pereira, has been selected by Singapore Athletics (SA) as part of the 24-strong track and field contingent for the upcoming 19th Asian Games, to be held in Hangzhou, China, in September. The selection marks a significant increase in numbers compared to the previous Asian Games in 2018, where Singapore only sent eight athletes to Indonesia.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the coaches, sports administrators and family who have played a crucial role in our athletes’ success. At the Asian Games 2023, our athletes will do their best to make Singapore proud and inspire the next generation! Let’s support and cheer them on as one,” expressed SA’s president Lien Choong Luen.
Pereira has been making waves on the track this year, securing gold medals in 100m and 200m races at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia and the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.
At the SEA Games in May, Pereira clocked a timing of 11.41s in the 100m event and set a new game and national record in the 200m race with 22.69s. There was no stopping Pereira as she set two new records at the Asian Championships in July.
The darling of Singapore’s track and field achieved a new national record in the 100m with a time of 11.20s and a new championship record in the 200m, finishing with a remarkable timing of 22.70s.
Other athletes who will be eager to make their mark at the Asian Games are Ang Chen Xiang, a SEA Games medalist who won gold in the 110m hurdles (13.831 seconds), and Marc Brian Louis, who secured a silver medal in the 100m sprint event with a time of 10.39 seconds.
Ang competed at the Asian Championships in Bangkok, but his timing of 13.99 in the heats was insufficient to qualify for the finals. Ang was awarded a joint-gold medal with Thailand’s Natthaphon Dansungnoen at the SEA Games after the jury failed to determine a conclusive photo-finish winner.
Arthur Lin, SA’s vice president for training and selection, expressed his admiration for the athletes’ steadfast commitment, resolve to excel at the highest levels and bring prestige to the country. He also encouraged everyone to unite and support Team Singapore athletes as they compete against top-notch competitors from all over Asia.
“Our remarkable athletes serve as a constant source of inspiration, showcasing their unwavering dedication, passion, and determination to compete at the highest echelons and bring honor to our nation,” said Lin.
“As they continue their rigorous preparations for the Asian Games, we extend our heartfelt wishes for their continued pursuit of excellence. We wholeheartedly acknowledge that the unwavering support of their families and loved ones is paramount to their triumphs. Let us unite in showing our resolute support for our exceptional athletes as they proudly represent our nation and face the formidable challenge of competing against the finest talents from across Asia,” added SA’s vice president Lin.
Below is the list of 24 athletes selected by Singapore Athletics to compete at the 19th Asian Games in 2023.
Women’s Category
Shanti Pereira – 100m, 200m
Elizabeth Tan Shee Ru – 100m, 200m
Goh Chui Ling – 800m, 1500m
Michelle Sng Suat Li – High Jump
Isabel Yang Bingjie – Pole Vault
*4 x 100m Relay – Shanti Pereira, Elizabeth Tan, Roxanne Rose, Clara Goh, Bernice Liew, Kerstin Ong
Men’s Category
Marc Brian Louis – 100m
Mark Lee Ren – 100m, 200m
Reuben Lee Siong En – 200m
Ang Cheng Xiang – 110m Hurdles
Calvin Quek Jun Jie – 400m Hurdles
Thiruben s/o Thana Rajan – 400m
Kampton Kam – High Jump
*4 x 100 Relay – Marc Brian, Mark Lee, Xander Ho, Ian Koe, Joshua Chua Hanwei, Calvin Quek
*4 x 400m Relay – Thiruben, Calvin Quek, Reuben Lee, Ng Chin Hui, Zubin Percy Muncherzi
*For the relay event, Singapore Athletics will select four athletes and up to two reserves