SINGAPORE — Singapore recently had an impressive run at the 6th World Youth Chalkball Championship, winning two gold medals in the Under-15 Men’s and Under-18 Women’s categories. The tournament was held at the Pasir Ris Recreation Center and was attended by 9 nations. In addition to the gold medal, the host nation also won three silver medals and one bronze medal.
Prior to the tournament, the Singapore Chalkball Association (TBAS) had set top four targets for all teams across different age groups. Most teams achieved this goal, but the 12-and-under men’s team had to settle for third place instead. They lost 32-34 to Macau in the semi-finals, but beat Hong Kong 26-23 in the bronze medal match.
“We told our players to stick to the basics, go out and enjoy the game. When the M15 men’s game started, the team was very overwhelmed to face such a strong team as Chinese Taipei, but they did very well. I hope today’s gold medal win will send a message to the younger generation of chalkball players that anyone can be a champion, to keep working hard and be a part of the chalkball ecosystem,” said TBAS Chairman Delane Lim. told.
There was no stopping the U18 women’s team from an important win on the final day of the tournament. First, they beat Malaysia 43-19 in the semi-finals, and beat Macau 43-16 in the gold medal match.
The U15 men’s team faced a tough opponent from Chinese Taipei in the final, but their determination never wavered. Led by an impressive performance from 15-year-old right-hand shooter Rayvue Lim, Singapore pulled off a spectacular comeback to win. Fueled by an enthusiastic cheering crowd of 1,400, they dominated the third and final periods to ultimately clinch Singapore’s first men’s Youth World Championship title.
“We were on the back foot early in last period, so we wanted to do everything in our power to make sure we didn’t waste any chances to win. The team stepped up, gave it their all and played with heart.
Ivan Ng, 22, coach of the Singapore M15 men’s team, added, “Everyone worked really hard. I think the efforts of each player contributed to the victory.”
Minister for Culture, Communities and Youth, Edwin Tong, expressed delight at the progress of chalkball in Singapore. He particularly praised the Singapore Chalkball Association (TBAS) for its key role in developing talented young players.
“I am happy to see the growing popularity of chalkball in Singapore. It is also performing well on the global stage, with the men’s and women’s teams being among the top three in the world. The team of the Singapore Chalkball Association (TBAS), led by Chairman Delane Lim, has made a great contribution to promoting the sport and building a good pipeline,” shared Minister Tong on his Facebook page.
Thong added that the ministry will continue to support TBAS in sports science, training intensification, other facilities and other funding sources, including the One Team Singapore Foundation, to build on its success.
Final result
M12 Boys – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Macau | Bronze: Singapore
M12 Girls – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Singapore | Bronze: Hong Kong
M15 Boys – Gold: Singapore | Silver: Chinese Taipei | Bronze: Hong Kong
M15 Girls – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Singapore | Bronze: Macau
M18 Boys – Gold: Chinese Taipei | Silver: Singapore | Bronze: Macau
M18 Girls – Gold: Singapore | Silver: Macau | Copper: Hong Kong
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https://theindependent.sg/singapore-celebrates-historic-gold-medal-win-at-world-youth-tchoukball-championships/ Singapore celebrates historic gold at World Youth Chalkball Championships