SINGAPORE — Singapore recently had an outstanding performance at the 6th World Youth Tchoukball Championships, securing double gold medals in the boys Under-15 and girls Under-18 categories. The tournament took place at the Pasir Ris Recreation Centre and involved nine nations. In addition to their gold medals, the hosts also won three silvers and one bronze.
The Tchoukball Association of Singapore (TBAS) had set a top-four target for all teams across various age groups before the competition. While most teams achieved this goal, the boys’ Under-12 team had to settle for third place instead. They narrowly lost to Macau 32-34 in the semi-finals but won the bronze medal match against Hong Kong with a score of 26-23.
“We told our athletes to do the basics, to go out there and to enjoy the game. When the M15 boys match started, the team was very overwhelmed to be up against a strong team like Chinese Taipei but they did very well. I hope the gold medal wins today sends a message to the younger generation of tchoukballers that anyone can be a champion, so continue to work hard and be part of the tchoukball ecosystem,” shared TBAS president Delane Lim.
There was no stopping the U18 girls’ team as they achieved significant victories on the tournament’s final day. First, they defeated Malaysia 43-19 in the semi-finals before securing an impressive 43-16 win over Macau in the gold medal match.
The U15 boys team faced a formidable Chinese Taipei side in the final, but their determination never wavered. Led by the impressive performance of their 15-year-old right shooter, Rayview Lim, Singapore staged a remarkable comeback and emerged victorious. The enthusiastic support of a 1,400-strong crowd fueled their momentum as they dominated the third and final period, ultimately securing Singapore’s first-ever boys’ title at the World Youth Championships.
“We were trailing behind at the start of the last period so we wanted to give it our best to not let the chance of winning go to waste. The team stepped up, put in our best efforts and played with heart. It is an unbelievable feeling since this is the first time the youth team has won a gold medal. It is such a big achievement,” said Lim.
“Everyone worked really hard and I think the efforts of each and every player contributed to victory,” added Ivan Ng, 22, coach for the Singapore M15 boys team.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong, expressed his delight at the progress of tchoukball in Singapore. He specifically commended the leadership of the Tchoukball Association of Singapore (TBAS) for its instrumental role in nurturing talented young players.
“I am glad to see that Tchoukball is gaining popularity in Singapore. We have also done very well on the world stage with our Men’s and Women’s Teams featuring in the top 3 in the World. The team at Tchoukball Association of Singapore (TBAS) led by its President Delane Lim has done much to promote the sport and build a good pipeline,” shared Minister Tong on his Facebook page
Minister Tong added that the Ministry would continue to support TBAS and assist them with sports science, training enhancements and other facilities, as well as other funding resources, including the One Team Singapore Fund, to build on their successes.
Final Results
M12 Boys – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Macau | Bronze: Singapore
M12 Girls – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Singapore |Bronze: Hong Kong
M15 Boys – Gold: Singapore | Silver: Chinese Taipei | Bronze: Hong Kong
M15 Girls – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Singapore | Bronze: Macau
M18 Boys – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Singapore | Bronze: Macau
M18 Girls – Gold: Singapore | Silver: Macau |Bronze: Hong Kong