Singapore's national short track speed skating team is poised to make its debut at the upcoming 2025 Asian Winter Games which get underway in northeast China's Harbin City on Friday, with the athletes excited to hit the track after receiving valuable training support from China.
The week-long Games promises to be the largest ever edition of the regional sports event, with 1,270 competitors from 34 countries and regions set to take part.
While winter sports might not be synonymous with the tropical island nation of Singapore, a dedicated team of four skaters is ready to compete on the international stage after undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of experienced Chinese coach Zhao Yanzhi.
The Singaporean skaters have come a long way as they now prepare to test themselves in competition, and they expressed their gratitude for Coach Zhao's mentorship.
"She has put in a lot of effort, made a lot of sacrifices. I think she came from China with her family to a foreign country like Singapore, even though a lot of us speak Chinese, it's a foreign country, and she's still willing to coach us," said Pok Yan Kai Brandon, one of the skaters.
Another skater, Chua Amelia Rae-Lene, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Zhao's extensive knowledge and dedication.
"Coach Zhao is a very knowledgeable and dedicated coach, and we have learned so much, and grown under her a lot. China is like a powerhouse for the sport, so we still have so much to learn under her," she said.
Training winter athletes in a tropical environment presents unique challenges, but Zhao herself is optimistic about the team's progress.
"When I first arrived, they already had a solid foundation. My role was to refine their basics and build up their strength. Over the past six years, they've worked hard and improved tremendously. I wanted to support them as the country's winter sports have been steadily growing. I happened to join them at a key stage, coinciding with the children's early growth. The athletes' performances have really surprised me in a good way," said Zhao.
The close partnership between the ice skating associations of China and Singapore over the last decade has been instrumental in developing Singapore's winter sports talent. Under an agreement between the two sides, experienced Chinese coaches like Zhao have been sent to the Southeast Asian nation to help nurture the next generation of athletes.
Alicia Tan, secretary general of the Singapore Ice Skating Association, emphasized the importance of this collaboration.
"We signed an agreement with China to promote short track, and to develop our athletes, coaches and officials under China's mentorship, and coach Zhao Yanzhi was recommended through this agreement to Singapore. Our team has actually clocked new personal bests, new national records under her guidance, and we must say that it's thanks to the guidance and mentorship of China through our partnership," said Alicia Tan.
For these skaters competing on this stage for the first time, Coach Zhao says the main goal is to gain vital experience, observe international competitors, and perform at their highest level.
Despite the challenges posed by Singapore's lack of natural ice, the athlete's passion and preparation, coupled with guidance from China's seasoned coaches, has prepared them well as they get ready to take on Asia's finest competitors.
"I think it'll be good if we can get some good positions, and I think it'll be good if our efforts will show in our results. I think ultimately, this will be like a good experience and exposure to all of us," said Pok Jing Ying Alyssa, another Singaporean skater.
Held under the theme "Dream of Winter, Love among Asians," the Games will be the first major international winter sports competition to be hosted in China since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Singaporean skaters gear up for Asian Winter Games debut
