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TeamSG's Suhairi bin Suhani at the 2022 APG in Solo, Indonesia. Photo Credit : SNPC/Goh Si Wei
3 weeks following the conclusion of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Cambodia is now days away from hosting the ASEAN Para Games (APG). Taking place from 3 to 9 June, 25 Team Singapore athletes will compete in 6 para sports, namely Athletics, Badminton, Boccia, Powerlifting, Swimming and Table Tennis.
Ms Erynne Lim, Chef de Mission for Team Singapore at the APG, said, “I am excited to lead Team Singapore at the ASEAN Para Games, especially since it will be our first time competing at this level in (first-time APG host city) Cambodia. The athletes have put in a lot of hard work and dedication into their training to represent Singapore. I would like to call for all Singaporeans to rally behind our athletes and cheer them on as they do our country proud". Back in August 2022, TeamSG's contingent of 36 athletes across 9 sporting disciplines in Indonesia, brought home 28 medals including 7 gold at the 11th APG edition.
Counting down to the 12th APG in Cambodia is Team Singapore's, Suhairi bin Suhani. Following his APG debut in 2014, Cambodia 2023 will mark Suhairi's 5th APG campaign. And ActiveSG Circle caught up with the 25-year-old retail associate who has an intellectual impairment, to get his thoughts ahead of the Games.
TeamSG's Suhairi bin Suhani at the 2022 APG in Solo, Indonesia. Photo Credit : SNPC/Goh Si Wei
Suhairi bin Suhani (Track & Field, Team Singapore)
Age : 25
No of Years in TeamSG : 9
Q : Cambodia 2023 marks your 5th ASEAN Para Games. How are you feeling ahead of the upcoming campaign?
Suhairi : I feel excited to compete and feel ready to win.
Q : Take us through your training preparations for Cambodia 2023?
Suhairi : My main focus is to return and take back my throne where I left. Focus is the most important.
Q : Which event/s are you competing in and who will most likely pose a challenge to a podium finish?
Suhairi : I'm going to compete in the Long Jump. And the main challenge for the medals, will mainly come from 2 Malaysian athletes.
TeamSG's Suhairi bin Suhani at the 2022 APG in Solo, Indonesia. Photo Credit : SNPC/Goh Si Wei
Q : Do you have a few words about your current coaches and how have they brought out the best in you?
Suhairi : My two coaches have given me a lot of trust and they believe in me. And it’s time for me to shine again.
Q : With 2 silver medals from previous APG campaigns, what are you hoping to achieve in Cambodia and what's next for your athletics career in 2023?
Suhairi : I'm going to defend my silver medal and hopefully if things go well, of course I want to win a gold medal. My next goal is to secure automatic qualification for the 2024 Paralympics. In order to reach Paris next year, I need to be a top-4 athlete in the world. And I hope to qualify via the World Championships in Paris in July.
Q : What is your Pre-Race ritual (if any)?
Suhairi : Visualise the whole routine.
Q : Do you have a pre-event meal, snack or drink before a race?
Suhairi : I need to get sugar like gummy drops.
Track and Field Coach Md Hosni bin Muhamad. Photo Credit : SNPC
Q : Can you briefly describe Suhairi's mindset going into Cambodia?
Coach Hosni : He’s confident & prepared.
Q : What have you been working on in terms of his running technique, in the leadup to the APG?
Coach Hosni : He’s been doing a lot of sprint on speed strength work. Strength work in gym and technical jump work on the long jump pit.
Q : What are you hoping for Suhairi to achieve in his 5th APG and what's next for him in 2023? Coach Hosni : I hope he comes out unscathed & has a podium finish.
The 12th ASEAN Para Games are held in Cambodia from 3-9 June 2023. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.
You can also follow our TeamSG athletes on Singapore National Paralympic Council's Facebook and Instagram.
