Class of 2015 ‘can outshine that of ‘93’

SINGAPORE – Twenty-two years ago, Singapore’s class of 1993 set a new mark at the SEA Games on home soil, with the contingent of 483 athletes winning a record 50 gold medals.

With the biennial meet returning after more than two decades, Singapore aims to surpass that 50-gold feat and will field its largest-ever contingent of 749 athletes and 342 officials for the June 5 to 16 Games.

Former national water polo player Tan Eng Liang remembers the 1993 Games well, as it was his first assignment as Singapore’s chef de mission for the SEA Games. So far, he has helmed 11 major Games, including the Commonwealth, Asian and Olympic Games, but this SEA Games will be a special one for the veteran sports administrator.

Speaking at the SEA Games Flag Presentation Ceremony at the Sports Hub yesterday, Tan called the current cohort the “best” team he has led.

The ceremony also saw swimmer Quah Ting Wen named as Singapore’s flag bearer and gymnast Hoe Wah Toon as pledge taker for the opening ceremony on June 5.

Tan, 77, is one of two chefs de mission appointed for the Games, alongside Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) executive committee member and former fencer Nicholas Fang.

“I have had experience with so many teams, and this is perhaps the best (team). They are very committed, and we expect them to deliver some good results for us,” said Tan, who is also a vice-president at the SNOC. “In 1993, the budget for the Games was S$3 million or S$4 million. But the budget this time is S$324.5 million, which is over 100 times, so that shows the extent in preparations.

“In terms of financial support, Sport Singapore and the Singapore Sports Institute came out with a budget of S$4 million to push further and the SNOC contributed S$300,000,” added Tan. “As far as the athletes are concerned, I dare say they are probably the best prepared.”

At the 1993 Games, then-14-year-old swimmer Joscelin Yeo was Singapore’s golden girl with a record nine gold haul at the Toa Payoh Swimming Complex.

Twenty years may have passed with the action now centred at the Sports Hub’s OCBC Aquatic Centre, but another swimmer in Joseph Schooling is set to dominate with his nine-gold hunt.

Tan also believes Schooling and the rest of Singapore’s 29-strong swim team, which includes Asian Youth Games champion Quah Zheng Wen and two-time Asian Games gold medallist Tao Li, will deliver a performance to remember. Multiple SEA Games champion Ting Wen will also compete alongside younger siblings Zheng Wen and Jing Wen for the first time at the Games.

“This SEA Games will be the most important because it is a special one with my siblings competing with me,” said Ting Wen, 22, who is to compete in nine events.

“This reminded me of the Asian Youth Games in 2009 (when she was flag bearer) and I didn’t expect it at all. This is Singapore’s 50th anniversary and it is a big deal for everyone in Singapore. I really want to do well and race fast.”

Yesterday’s flag presentation ceremony also saw the unveiling of a tribute artefact to former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew titled His Legacy, Our Story. The artefact was unveiled by SNOC president Tan Chuan-Jin, who is also the Minister for Social and Family Development, and Lawrence Wong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth.

Said Minister Tan: “I know we will be inspired by the 28th SEA Games and to not only achieve greater heights in sports, but to be united as one nation, one people and one Singapore.”