The future of Singapore table tennis looks bright as Singapore wins first medals at Asian Youth Championships since 2019
10 July 2024, Chongqing China - Singapore's juniors stamped their mark on the Asian youth stage as they clinched two joint-bronze medals at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships 2024 that concluded on Friday, 6 July in Chongqing, China.
The Singapore Table Tennis Association's continued investment in developing its youth and the next generation of table tennis stars has been noticeable, and even started reaping its rewards in the last few years, with 18 year-old Izaac Kuek and Zhou Jingyi making their Olympic bows in Paris later this month, and other budding stars waiting in the wings to shine on the greatest stage.
At the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships, 14-year-old Loy Ming Ying cemented her position as one of Asia’s rising stars as she clinched her first ever medal at the Asian Youth Championships when she finished joint-third in the U15 Girls' Singles.
She shared after: "Getting a medal at the Asian Youth Championships was beyond my expectations. I intend to continue improving on my skills for future competitions. I would like to thank STTA, SSP, my coach, my team and my family for supporting me on this journey."
Adding to Ming Ying’s bronze was the doubles’ pairing of Ser Lin Qian and Tan Zhao Yun, with the duo also having a run to remember, clinching joint-third in the U19 Girls' Doubles.
These medals mark Singapore’s first medals at the championships since 2019, when the Cadet Girls team of Zhou Jingyi, Tan and Ser won joint-bronze in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia when the competition was still called the Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships.
Zena Sim is Singapore’s only gold medalist at these championships, having won the Cadet Girls’ Singles title in 2005 in New Delhi, India.
Wong Xin Ru Announces Retirement from Table Tennis
Meanwhile, Singapore national paddler Wong Xin Ru announced her retirement from the sport last evening.
Despite being just 22 years-old, the multiple SEA Games medallist expressed her desire to move onto a new chapter in life, having been competing for 14 years in the sport of table tennis.
In an Instagram post to her fans and followers, Wong expressed her gratitude to everyone and shared that "This journey has been nothing short of a dream come true, filled with unforgettable moments and challenges that have shaped me both as an athlete and as a person."
Wong further added that it has been an honour to pursue her passion and represent her nation.
"Looking ahead, while I close this chapter of my life, I am excited about what lies ahead of me. I will start university soon, and hope to continue contribute to the sporting scene in other ways whenever there’s an opportunity," said Wong.
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