Remy Ong is Singapore's national bowling coach

SINGAPORE — Later this year, Remy Ong will return to South Korea, the scene of one of his most famous triumphs, not as a bowler, but as Singapore’s national bowling head coach.

The 36-year-old, a triple gold medallist at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, will helm the national men’s and women’s team at this year’s Games in Incheon.

Ong, who succeeds veteran Henry Tan, will be assisted by newly-appointed national assistant coaches Helmi Chew and Clara Lau, who are part of a 10-strong high performance coaching team that includes Technical Director Mervyn Foo and former national bowler Jason Yeong-Nathan.

Speaking at the Singapore Bowling Federation’s (SBF) Lunar New Year and Annual Awards Dinner at Royal China at Raffles Hotel last night, SBF Vice-President Robin Yap said the re-organisation of their coaching set-up is part efforts to groom more athletes to excel on the world stage.

“The Asian Games are coming up and there is a need to bring in new coaches to blood them into Singapore bowling,” said Yap.

“Remy has proven himself to be a worthy athlete who has won at the most prestigious event, the world championships and over the years, he has proven himself to be the toughest bowler out there.

“He’s the perfect candidate, is able to communicate with the young bowlers and work with the coaches, and has the right mentality to take on the job.”

Regarded as one of Singapore’s best-ever bowlers, Ong’s 19-year career saw him winning three gold medals in the singles, trios and masters at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, which was also the scene of his two world championship triumphs (singles, all-events) four years later.

The southpaw was named Sportsman of the Year in 2003 and 2007 for his numerous achievements on the lanes. He later became an associate coach in 2011 before retiring in January last year to assume the role of deputy national head coach.

Ong hopes his skill and experience will come in handy ahead of the Sept 19 to Oct 4 Asian Games in Incheon, where the national keglers look to better their one gold, three silver and five bronze medal haul from the 2010 edition in Guangzhou.

“I have been through a lot in my career, and there were more failures than successes and I hope to be able to minimise failures for the bowlers,” he said. “There’s a lot that I can share with them, such as the trade secrets I learnt during my years as a player, how to handle competition situations, trying out different strategies and dealing with pressure.

“We did well at the Games exactly 12 years ago in the Year of the Horse, which I was born in (1978). We are going back to South Korea 12 years later and I’m hoping we can do well there again.”

Yesterday’s awards night also saw 2012 World Cup champion Shayna Ng winning the 2013 SBF Bowler of the Year award, while Muhammad Jaris Goh was awarded SBF Youth Bowler of the Year. Tan was also recognised for his years of work with the Outstanding Contribution to the Sport of Tenpin Bowling.

Yap also addressed concerns that SBF President Jessie Phua, currently in the United States, could be stepping down from the sport after a report by The New Paper yesterday revealed she is considering running for the Singapore Swimming Association Presidency in June.

“I believe if she had any intention (of running for the swimming presidency), we would be the first to know,” said Yap.

“We have not heard anything from her. Jessie is irreplaceable for Singapore bowling because of her commitment to sport and her visionary foresight, and her heart is with Singapore bowling. We would love for her to stay as long as she can.”