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Beyond the Medals: Celebrating the Team Behind Team Singapore
Beyond the Medals: Celebrating the Team Behind Team Singapore
Staff Feature: Staff Behind Team Singapore at Asian Games 2026
Written by
SportSG Strategic Communications & Engagement Team
Team Singapore has given us much to celebrate and be proud of at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Our athletes demonstrated resilience, determination and fighting spirit as they took on Asia's best, bringing home 18 medals comprising two golds, nine silvers and seven bronzes.
These achievements are especially encouraging given that close to two-thirds of our contingent were making their Asian Games debut. We are proud of every athlete who competed, achieved a personal milestone or gained valuable experience in the Games.
Written by
SportSG Strategic Communications & Engagement Team
Team Singapore has given us much to celebrate and be proud of at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Our athletes demonstrated resilience, determination and fighting spirit as they took on Asia's best, bringing home 18 medals comprising two golds, nine silvers and seven bronzes.
These achievements are especially encouraging given that close to two-thirds of our contingent were making their Asian Games debut. We are proud of every athlete who competed, achieved a personal milestone or gained valuable experience in the Games.
Behind Every Athlete Is a Team
While the spotlight rightly shines on our athletes, their achievements are built on years of preparation, dedication and collective effort.
Azhar Yusof, Rugby ITO
Director, CoachSG, HPSI
“This Asian Games was an interesting edition for me. I have been involved as an International Technical Official (ITO) for a number of Major Games but this was only the second time I was there both as an ITO as well as a Coach Developer supporting our national coaches. I therefore had to wear different hats when performing those roles, which was interesting and challenging at the same time. It was really gratifying to hear positive feedback from the national coaches on the support that we have provided them with leading up to and during the Games. Lots of learnings and takeaways for sure and that will serve to strengthen our support programmes for the national coaches even more in future. “
Shirley Khaw, Equestrian ITO
Senior Manager, TeamSG Brand, Content & Events, HPSI
“Serving as a technical official at my 5th Asian Games, 20 years since my debut in 2006, was deeply meaningful. I am endlessly grateful to our Asian federation for their trust in my appointment, and to my amazing bosses who truly embody caring for people by backing my passion for sport with extended time off work. The absolute best part was reconnecting with old friends (riders, coaches, grooms and fellow officials) and making new ones across Asia. That incredible strength through teamwork across borders is what it is all about, and coming together every four years to inspire the Singapore spirit on the international stage leaves me with a heart full of love and gratitude.”
Brandon Ooi, Canoeing Athlete
Manager, Data Analytics & Insights, HPSI
“Every Games is a new experience for me, especially this one as I held the flag at the opening ceremony, being one of the most experienced Singaporean athletes at the games. Furthermore, bringing my juniors to what I would say is a phenomenal result for them was also amazing. Seeing and feeling their cheers at the end was special for me. My wife has had a hard time, taking care of our son by herself while I go to train and compete. If not for her understanding and unwavering support, I would not have been able to focus on the sport. Our coaches have also put in so much effort for us to put our best foot forward at the race. The fact we could fight against the odds and come in ahead of opponents we were behind after 6 months of being together is a testament to the hard work they put in with us. Both my employers this year, LTA as well as SpexSG, were extremely supportive of my endeavours and being able to do as well as I did this year was in large part due to their support for my training. Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring home a medal, but I’m extremely thankful for every single one of my family, friends, acquaintances and of course, fellow Singaporeans. Nothing we do as athletes would be possible without your support. Thank you!”
One Team, One Dream.
The Asian Games remind us that sporting success does not happen overnight. It is the result of sustained investment, strong partnerships, continuous improvement and the commitment of people working towards a common goal.
As we celebrate Team Singapore's achievements, we also take pride in the role each of us plays in strengthening Singapore's high performance sport ecosystem. Let’s celebrate how far Team Singapore has come and draw inspiration from what we can accomplish together.
To all our athletes, coaches and colleagues, thank you for flying Singapore's flag high. These achievements are yours to celebrate, and ours to be proud of. One Team, One Dream.
Behind every performance is a network of coaches, sport scientists, sport medicine practitioners, athlete life managers and many others working together to help our athletes perform at their best.
Equally important are colleagues supporting different aspects of the Games, ensuring that our athletes have the resources and environment they need to succeed. Hear from four of our colleagues, Aleks, Azhar, Brandon and Shirley, about their Asian Games experiences:
Aleksandar Duric, Assistant Chef De Mission
Director, Foundation, UTR!
“I had many memorable experiences at the Games. I had the privilege of interacting with athletes across a wide range of sports, and witnessing their dedication and resilience firsthand was truly inspiring. One of the most defining moments was seeing our athletes give their absolute best, regardless of the outcome. A particular highlight was watching our SG athlete, Tiffany Teo, compete in the MMA women's category final — and emerge victorious. It was a proud and emotional moment, not just for her, but for the entire Singapore contingent.”
“I had many memorable experiences at the Games. I had the privilege of interacting with athletes across a wide range of sports, and witnessing their dedication and resilience firsthand was truly inspiring. One of the most defining moments was seeing our athletes give their absolute best, regardless of the outcome. A particular highlight was watching our SG athlete, Tiffany Teo, compete in the MMA women's category final — and emerge victorious. It was a proud and emotional moment, not just for her, but for the entire Singapore contingent.”
Photo Credit: UTR/Aleksandar Duric
Azhar Yusof, Rugby ITO
Director, CoachSG, HPSI
“This Asian Games was an interesting edition for me. I have been involved as an International Technical Official (ITO) for a number of Major Games but this was only the second time I was there both as an ITO as well as a Coach Developer supporting our national coaches. I therefore had to wear different hats when performing those roles, which was interesting and challenging at the same time. It was really gratifying to hear positive feedback from the national coaches on the support that we have provided them with leading up to and during the Games. Lots of learnings and takeaways for sure and that will serve to strengthen our support programmes for the national coaches even more in future. “
Photo Credit: CoachSG/Azhar Yusof
Shirley Khaw, Equestrian ITO
Senior Manager, TeamSG Brand, Content & Events, HPSI
“Serving as a technical official at my 5th Asian Games, 20 years since my debut in 2006, was deeply meaningful. I am endlessly grateful to our Asian federation for their trust in my appointment, and to my amazing bosses who truly embody caring for people by backing my passion for sport with extended time off work. The absolute best part was reconnecting with old friends (riders, coaches, grooms and fellow officials) and making new ones across Asia. That incredible strength through teamwork across borders is what it is all about, and coming together every four years to inspire the Singapore spirit on the international stage leaves me with a heart full of love and gratitude.”
Photo Credit: HPSI/Shirley Khaw
Brandon Ooi, Canoeing Athlete
Manager, Data Analytics & Insights, HPSI
“Every Games is a new experience for me, especially this one as I held the flag at the opening ceremony, being one of the most experienced Singaporean athletes at the games. Furthermore, bringing my juniors to what I would say is a phenomenal result for them was also amazing. Seeing and feeling their cheers at the end was special for me. My wife has had a hard time, taking care of our son by herself while I go to train and compete. If not for her understanding and unwavering support, I would not have been able to focus on the sport. Our coaches have also put in so much effort for us to put our best foot forward at the race. The fact we could fight against the odds and come in ahead of opponents we were behind after 6 months of being together is a testament to the hard work they put in with us. Both my employers this year, LTA as well as SpexSG, were extremely supportive of my endeavours and being able to do as well as I did this year was in large part due to their support for my training. Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring home a medal, but I’m extremely thankful for every single one of my family, friends, acquaintances and of course, fellow Singaporeans. Nothing we do as athletes would be possible without your support. Thank you!”
Photo Credit: SpexSG/Bryan Foo
One Team, One Dream.
The Asian Games remind us that sporting success does not happen overnight. It is the result of sustained investment, strong partnerships, continuous improvement and the commitment of people working towards a common goal.
As we celebrate Team Singapore's achievements, we also take pride in the role each of us plays in strengthening Singapore's high performance sport ecosystem. Let’s celebrate how far Team Singapore has come and draw inspiration from what we can accomplish together.
To all our athletes, coaches and colleagues, thank you for flying Singapore's flag high. These achievements are yours to celebrate, and ours to be proud of. One Team, One Dream.
- Three Athletes, Three Journeys, One YOG Dream
- Beyond the Medals: Celebrating the Team Behind Team Singapore
