Smashes Set Up Success For Shuttlers

Badminton: Daikin International Badminton Championships, SMU Shuttlers Challenge, East Badminton Age Group Series


Singapore Sports School’s badminton talents are flying high once again, with our student-athletes racking up a haul of medals from the Daikin International Badminton Championship in Malaysia held from 31 May to 3 June 2025, and the SMU Shuttlers Challenge back home played from 9 to 15 June.

At the Daikin International, rising star Chara Loo Kit Rei made her international mark with a joint 3rd place finish in the U14 Girls’ Singles, putting up a spirited performance against tough regional opponents.

Meanwhile, at the SMU Shuttlers Challenge 2025, our young shuttlers went on a medal spree with standout performances across the board.

Zack Ng Zhen Hong powered his way to 1st place in the U17 Boys’ Singles, a strong statement of his form and flair. In the U15 Girls’ Singles, Raeanne Ang Zi En and Vivian Loh Yu En both fought through to the joint 3rd positions. Tan Xi En took joint 3rd in the U15 Boys’ Singles, while Maegan Tan Yee Kah and Bonita Bai Hanqian shared the joint 3rd in the U17 Girls’ Singles. Foo Ee Zen rounded things off with a joint 3rd in the U19 Boys’ Singles.

Our student-athletes weren’t just good in Singles. They were golden in Doubles events too, with podium finishes in nearly every age category.

In the U15 Girls’ Doubles, Bonita Bai and Chara Loo claimed the top spot in style. Julia Teo and Sara Nadya Foo battled to a well-earned second, while Raeanne Ang with Tan Wan Qi, and Vivian Loh with partner Eva Tan, secured joint 3rd finishes.

Chara shared, “Initially, there were gaps in our game, such as who was supposed to take which shot, creating much confusion. With communication and understanding, we managed to resolve each conflict. Before the match, I would practise visualisation. By visualising how I would react to certain shots our opponents would make prepared us for the match. We would also strategise our game such that we played to each other's strengths.

I learnt that encouragement between the pair is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to doubles. If one player was not performing on the day of the competition, the partner would need to continuously encourage and play a bigger role in the match or the team would surely lose. Many things can go wrong in a match, draft problems or changes in strategy from the opponents, but all this can be overcome so long as the pair works together and believes in each other.”

Sean John Salim and partner Jake Lim also delivered a strong performance to take 2nd place in the U15 Boys’ Doubles. Joining them to add to the medal tally were Daryl Leong and Julian Tan who took silver with sharp coordination and strong court presence in the U17 Boys’ Doubles. Gerald Koh and partner Darren Chng clinched a joint 3rd finish in the U19 Boys’ Doubles

Jeanna Low and partner Stefania Gwen stormed to victory in the U17 Girls’ Doubles. Jessie Batchelor and Maegan Tan earned silver after a fierce final. Caryn Chua with Abhyarthna Chhajer, and Sherayne Ong with partner Rithika Somasundaram, took home joint 3rd.

It wasn’t just the current crop making waves. Our alumni proved their class on court too.

Crystal Wong and Elaine Chua triumphed in the Women’s Doubles, securing gold. Lim Ming Hui teamed up with Xing Aiying to take 2nd place, while Jeanna Low and partner Stefania Gwen rounded off the podium with a joint 3rd finish.

Loh Kean Hean partnered Bimo Adi Prakoso to win the Men’s Doubles, and the dynamic duo of Elaine Chua and Bimo returned to snatch gold again in the Mixed Doubles. Darrion Ng and partner Grace Tan, along with Thing Ting Ting and partner Chong Jen Son, both earned joint 3rd finishes in the Mixed Doubles.

Whether it was their first international stage or a return to dominate the local scene, these young athletes have proven they’re a force to be reckoned with.