Asian Games: Singapore to Send Biggest Contingent of 246 Athletes to Indonesia
Singapore is set to field its largest contingent of 246 athletes across 22 sports at the Aug 18-Sept 2 Asian Games in Indonesia.
The athletes who made the first cut to compete at the Games were chosen by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) on Wednesday (May 30) after the selection committee, chaired by SNOC president Tan Chuan-Jin, met to consider the nominations submitted by the national sports associations (NSAs).
Previously, Singapore’s largest Asiad contingent was 240 athletes at the 2010 Games in Guangzhou, China.
Athletes who have not met the qualifying mark have till June 15 to meet the selection criteria of a sixth-placed finish at the Asian level. New results which have clearly met the sixth placing of the 2014 Asian Games will be considered by the SNOC.
Synchronised swimming, paragliding and ju-jitsu are three sports making their debut at this year’s Games.
Said SNOC secretary-general Chris Chan: “Our athletes have made some breakthroughs at the major Games in recent times. With the largest contingent to the Asian Games ever, we hope to see more inspiring and credible performances by Team Singapore in Indonesia.
“Team Singapore will also be making their debut in synchronised swimming, ju-jitsu and paragliding. The synchronised swimming team is making an entry into the Asiad with a young team of athletes. From playing second fiddle to our South-east Asian counterparts not too long ago to defending their SEA Games crown last year, they will now face a bigger test at the Asian Games.
“We hope to see more NSAs and athletes coming forward with substantial results to qualify before the appeal deadline of June 15. In the meantime, we wish all NSAs and athletes who are preparing for the Games all the best.”
At the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Singapore’s 223 athletes won five golds, six silvers and 14 bronzes.
Courtesy : The Straits Times
Photo :Channel NewsAsia
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