Latest news with #homecrowd
CNA
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Singapore to field record 72-strong contingent at World Aquatics Championships
SINGAPORE: Singapore will send its largest ever contingent to the World Aquatics Championships it is hosting this year, with a total of 72 athletes across five disciplines, Singapore Aquatics president Kenneth Goh announced on Wednesday (Jul 2). There will be 30 athletes making their debut, Associate Professor Goh said during a press conference at the World Aquatics Championships Arena venue in Kallang. 'That alone speaks volumes about the depth of talent we have nurtured, and the boldness of our vision for the future,' he said. He added that this has been made possible by years of investment in development pathways and infrastructure, and a belief in athletes and coaches alike. At the 2023 edition in Fukuoka, 27 athletes represented Singapore across four disciplines. The championships feature the six disciplines of swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving. This year, Singapore will not be competing in high diving. The competition, to be held from Jul 11 to Aug 3, is a key highlight on the SG60 calendar as Singapore marks six decades of independence this year. 'We have established ourselves as a powerhouse in aquatics in the region, consistently competing against the best in Asia. But to become the best in the world, we must challenge ourselves against the very best, and we will not shy away from that,' said Assoc Prof Goh. HOMEGROUND ADVANTAGE Athletes said they were looking forward to competing in front of the home crowd. Swimmer Gan Ching Hwee, who set two national records at the Paris Olympics in the 800m freestyle and 1500m freestyle, said 'the homeground advantage is really something that I look forward to'. She hopes that the upcoming championships can inspire future generations of aspiring athletes to believe in themselves and one day step up and represent Singapore as well, especially with the SEA Games returning to Singapore in 2029. 'On top of that, I think we have the advantage of being familiar with the environment, like the heat and humidity,' added Gan. Fellow swimmer Mikkel Lee said that the sight of familiar faces in the crowd makes a big difference for him when competing. He recalled the solitude of participating in a competition in the German capital of Berlin. 'I was on my own, essentially. I didn't have anybody. I was kind of losing my head a little bit,' he said. Lee added that with the competition held in Singapore this time, it is also a different experience for him, as it is his turn to play host to his foreign counterparts. 'What's different is that usually I'm asking people that are hosting: 'What's good in your country? Where should I go?' And now people are asking me that question,' he said. For Lee Kai Yang, captain of the men's water polo team, the support from a home crowd is something that is unmatched, as he recalled the feeling making his debut in Singapore during the 2015 SEA Games. 'Ever since then, every other major games that I've been to, the feeling from the crowd is never the same. And I do look forward to that again in this world championships here in Singapore,' he said.
Malay Mail
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
‘Underdog' Ng Tze Yong eyes Malaysia Masters redemption after injury-plagued year
KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — National men's singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong is thrilled to bits to be playing in front of the home crowd despite going into the 2025 Malaysia Masters Badminton Championships as an underdog. The 25-year-old feels that he has been improving from one tournament to the other since making his comeback from a back injury and that has only boosted his confidence ahead of the Malaysia Masters 2025, which will be held at the Axiata Arena from tomorrow (May 20) until Sunday (May 25). '(I'm) excited because it's been over a year since I last played in Malaysia. I can see obvious improvements in my game since making my comeback from injury at the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) in April. 'Yes, I will be competing (in the Malaysia Masters) as an underdog as my ranking has plummeted (due to the back injury) but I can't wait to get back on the court here as I know I will have the solid backing of the home supporters,' he told reporters after the court testing session for the Malaysia Masters here today. Tze Yong has suffered various injuries, including a muscle tear in his back followed by a spinal injury, since last year and had to undergo a long period of rest and rehabilitation before returning to action in the BAC (April 8-13). The Johor-born shuttler suffered first-round exits in the BAC in China, the Taiwan Open (May 6-11) and last week's Thailand Open. So, surely Tze Yong will want to avoid another early exit when he begins his Malaysia Masters campaign against Hong Kong's Ng Ka Long tomorrow. — Bernama
Independent Singapore
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Jannik Sinner enjoys awaited comeback with a hard-fought victory at the Italian Open
Jannik Sinner expressed his excitement and relief at being back on the court after his doping ban. He made an impressive comeback by defeating Argentina's Mariano Navone with a final scoreline of 6-3, 6-4 in his first match since the suspension. Having won 22 matches in a row, this win was added to Sinner's winning streak, which was only paused by a three-month suspension. The match marked Sinner's first victory since he successfully defended his Australian Open title in Melbourne back in January. The athlete only proved his resilience as he made his remarkable return, and his strong performance at the Italian Open marked a significant moment in his return to tennis. With his victory, Sinner said: 'It has been amazing to go again on court after such a long time, having great support also in the last days.' He added, 'From the first day I came here, it has been amazing. I was waiting for this moment for quite a long time… The whole match, even when it seems quite comfortable, it's a rollercoaster, no? Inside we feel that, especially [at] the beginning of the match having, again, the nerves of serving for the first time, trying to move in the best possible way you can.' Warm welcome from the Italian home crowd The Italian tennis star shared that the reaction from the home crowd was the best he had ever experienced. Moreover, his parents were among the 10,500 fans who gave him a warm welcome. The crowd was filled with loud cheers and excitement, and yet Sinner remained composed, walking onto the court hand-in-hand with a child mascot, showing little emotion as he took in the incredible support from the crowd. Sinner also wrote 'Che bello' (How beautiful) on the camera lens after his win. This was his way of expressing his joy and appreciation to everyone who supported him. Moreover, chants of 'Ole' echoed through the stadium as he did this, adding to the fun atmosphere and highlighting the home crowd's support for him. Sinner also signed numerous autographs as he practised with top-10 players like Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud. His comeback has been met with overwhelming warmth and excitement, especially among Italian fans, who feel his three-month suspension was too harsh. In a social media post, Sinner shared a picture with the caption ' How beautiful ❤️❤️ Thanks for yesterday 🇮🇹 (translated)' Netizens expressed their joy and support in the comments, with one person saying, 'Welcome back, Jannik🧡🦊🥕,' another noting how heartwarming it was to see him reunited with his family, and someone else simply commenting, 'Number one❤️.'
