Team Singapore athletes at the Bahrain 2021 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) secured Singapore’s second-best ever showing at the AYPG, winning five gold, three silver and two bronze at the fourth edition of the Games.
Singapore’s total medal haul of 10 medals is the second-most number of medals any Team Singapore contingent has won at the AYPG.
The Games were officially declared closed at the closing ceremony held at Khalifa Stadium on 6 December.
On the final day of competition, swimmer Colin Soon struck gold in the pool again, as he raced to a new personal best and new national record of 1:02.00 in the men’s 12-16 100m Freestyle – S11-13.
Soon is Team Singapore’s best performer, achieving four gold in four events, achieving three personal bests and setting two new national records.
“Getting four gold medals in four events was possible, but not entirely expected.
“To sum up my second AYPG, while I knew what to expect, it was still a novel experience.
“There were a lot of surprises and things to adapt to and I’m glad I managed to do so and make Singapore proud,” he said.
Compatriot Darren Chan won his second bronze at the Games as he swam a new personal best of 2:42.80 in the men’s 17-18 200m Individual Medley – SM14.
Chan achieved a personal best in all five of his races at this Games.
In Boccia, Aloysius Gan, winner of the Boccia BC3 men’s Individual event, teamed up with compatriot Yan Jia Yi to take silver in the BC3 Mixed Pair Event.
Played in a round robin format, the pair combined to dismiss Saudi Arabia 5-1, before inflicting a heavy 9-2 defeat on Iran.
They were outperformed by Thailand 7-3.
With two wins and one loss, Gan and Jia Yi settled for silver.
“I am so happy that both Jia Yi and I will be leaving Bahrain with great results.
“All the hard work and training has paid off,” he said.
Team Singapore’s chef de mission Theresa Goh said that the AYPG has given her an opportunity to see the Games “from the other side”.
“I am better able to appreciate what is required for high performance sport, even after all my years as a competitive athlete.
“Despite some challenges at the start, the team kept their heads down and set out to achieve what they came here to do and I’m incredibly proud of them.”
Team Singapore will fly back to Singapore on the morning of 8 December 2021 on flight GF165.
Photos: Singapore National Paralympic Committee
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