Singapore’s Major Games Award Programme (MAP) presentation at Timbre+ One-North on November 29 was not just a celebration of victories; it was a testament to the spirit of excellence in Asian and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games athletes.
The spotlight shone particularly bright on Shanti Pereira, Singapore’s sprint queen, who emerged as the biggest winner of the evening as she bagged $315,000 award money from the $2.3 million that was awarded to athletes, according to Channel NewsAsia.
Shanti Pereira’s Remarkable Achievements
In a remarkable feat, Shanti Pereira secured a staggering S$315,000 for her outstanding performances at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and the SEA Games in Cambodia.
Pereira’s accolades included a gold in the women’s 200m final, marking Singapore’s first athletics gold since 1974.
Pereira’s triumphs extended to the women’s 100m, where she clinched a silver at the Asian Games. She also made history at the SEA Games by becoming the first Singaporean woman to conquer both the 100m and 200m events in the same edition.
Pereira’s achievements go beyond personal glory; they signify a breakthrough for Singapore in international athletics.
Her gold in the 200m final not only ended a nearly 50-year track and field medal drought but also elevated Singapore’s standing on the global sports stage.
Historical Perspective
Pereira’s accomplishments prompt a comparison with Singapore’s past athletic glories. The significance of her gold in the 200m final echoes the historic win by Chee Swee Lee in the women’s 400m in 1974.
The impact of Pereira’s gold goes beyond the podium; it inspires future generations of athletes and reshapes the narrative of Singaporean excellence in track and field.
Pereira’s feat is not merely a victory; it is a symbolic end to a 50-year drought, marking a turning point for Singaporean athletics.
Asian Games Triumph
Days before her historic gold, Pereira secured a silver in the women’s 100m at the Asian Games, adding another layer of accomplishment to her journey.
Pereira’s silver holds historical significance as it ends Singapore’s decades-long wait for a track and field medal at the Asian Games.
Pereira emerges as a pivotal figure, not just in her individual success but in ending Singapore’s prolonged medal drought at the Asian Games.
IV. SEA Games Success
The SEA Games witnessed Pereira’s exceptional prowess as she claimed gold in both the 100m and 200m events, a feat unparalleled in Singaporean history.
An in-depth analysis of Pereira’s performance in both events showcases her dominance and skill in the sprinting domain.
Pereira’s dual golds not only solidify her status as a sprinting sensation but also contribute to Singapore’s prominence in the regional sporting landscape.
Singapore National Olympic Council’s statement
The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and Tote Board rewarded 121 medallists with $2,295,000 (SEA Games: $595,000, Asian Games: $1,700,000) at the MAP Awards Presentation and Appreciation Dinner for the 32nd SEA Games and 19th Asian Games held at Timbre+ One-North today.
A 554-strong contingent represented the Republic in 30 sports in Cambodia and came home with a haul of 51 gold, 43 silver, 64 bronze medals, 8 Games records, 17 national records and 40 personal best milestones. The contingent, led by chef de mission Dr Hing Siong Chen, comprised of 259 debutants who contributed 57 medals out of the 158 attained by Team Singapore. Swimmer Quah Ting wen was recognised as the Most Valuable Player (Female) clinching 6 gold and 2 silver medals at the Games.
At the Hangzhou Asian Games, the contingent of 427 athletes in 32 sports led by chef de mission Dr Koh Koon Teck, returned with 3 gold, 6 silver and 7 bronze medals, 6 national records and 14 personal best outings. The Hangzhou edition marked Singapore’s largest Asiad contingent participation of 427 athletes of which 334 made their debut.
The MAP rewards medallists of the SEA, Commonwealth, Asian and Olympic Games. Sponsored by the Tote Board, medallists receive cash in amounts based on the major Games event and medal won. It is mandatory for athletes to give a percentage of their MAP awards (20% for the SEA Games and the Asian Games) to their respective National Sports Associations for future training and development.