TEAM Singapore will be represented by 90 athletes in the ASEAN Para Games – an away record for the republic – when the biennial event begins in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (17 Sept).?

The increased number of athletes in the 9th edition of the Games is due to the ‘fruitful’ performance by the Singaporeans when they hosted the 8th edition two years ago. Then, a total of 151 athletes competed and won 24 golds, 17 silvers and 22 bronze medals.

Of the 90 athletes in the Singapore contingent?,? 21 are debutants. The Singaporeans will compete in 11 out of 16 sports on offer in the 9th ASEAN Para Games which will be held from Sept 17-23. The previous largest number of athletes from Singapore was 57 at the 2008 APG in Thailand.

Singapore contingent Chef de mission Shirley Low said on Thursday?, ?she is anticipating a number of gold medals in swimming events and ‘a lot more’ in other sports.

“Although swimming has been our strong point we are also confident of gold medals in several other team sports. Every athlete will do the best to shine here. For many of them they hope to improve on their personal best,” said Shirley.

Benson Low, who won gold medals in the 100m and 200m freestyles at the 2015 Para Games at home, is Singapore’s best hope again apart from Han Liang Chou (50m butterfly and 200m freestyle) and Yip Pin Xiu.

Another swimmer, Toh Wei Soo Ng, who has to divide her time between training sessions and studies, says the sacrifices worth and she is all prepared for the challenges ahead. 

Sprinter and long jumper Suhairi Suhani, 20, will be Team Singapore flag-bearer. 

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