Latest news with #PatrickLiew
Independent Singapore
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Independent Singapore
Singapore to host 2025 Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
- Advertisement - Singapore is set to host the 16th Senior and 21st Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships from May 16-18, 2025, at the OCBC Arena in the Singapore Sports Hub. This event is being organised by the Asian Gymnastics Union and Singapore Gymnastics after the approval of the International Gymnastics Federation. It will bring together more than 150 top gymnasts from 20 countries in Asia for a thrilling competition. The return to Southeast Asia The 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships will be held in Southeast Asia for the first time in over 10 years. Singapore will have the chance to highlight its growing contribution to international sports and its support for gymnastics in the region by being the host country for this year's championship. Moreover, following the success of the 2023 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships, this will be another step forward for Singapore to promote not just gymnastics, but sports in general in the country. - Advertisement - Dr Patrick Liew, President of Singapore Gymnastics, said, 'Bringing the Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships to Singapore is a significant step in our ambition to grow the sport locally and strengthen our role as a trusted international host. This event gives our athletes and our community the chance to experience world-class gymnastics up close. We hope it will inspire the next generation, deepen appreciation for the sport, and showcase Singapore's readiness to deliver high-calibre events on the global stage.' Mr Richard Gordon, CEO of Singapore Gymnastics, also shared, 'The 16th Senior and 21st Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships being held here is not just a milestone for our athletes, it is a key moment for our entire high-performance ecosystem. Competing against Asia's best on home soil will elevate our gymnasts, as well as the technical quality of our coaches, judges, and event operations. It is an essential step in our lead-up to the SEA Games and an opportunity to align everyone in the system with the standards we want to uphold.' Athletes to compete Both senior and junior gymnasts will participate and show their skills in different rhythmic gymnastics events. In the senior individual competition, China's Wang Zilu, is expected to lead, having finished seventh in the all-around event at the Paris World Championships. The athlete will face fierce opponents such as Uzbekistan's Takhmina Ikromova, who is a two-time Asian champion and the recent bronze medalist at the 2025 FIG World Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria. - Advertisement - Furthermore, in the Senior group event, the gold and silver medalists at the 2022 Asian Games, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, will have an intense rivalry. This championship will also play a key role as a qualifier for the 41st FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 20-24, 2025. Singapore gymnasts to look forward to Mikayla Yang and Thea Chew will lead Team Singapore in the senior category. Both athletes have competed on the prestigious FIG World Cup circuit. Yang, who gained the highest ranking for a Southeast Asian athlete in the individual all-around event at the 15th Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships in 2024, is set to face a difficult challenge, with rivals including Laos' Praewa Misato Philaphandeth, who made history as the first Lao rhythmic gymnast to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Another rival would be Breanna Labadan from the Philippines, the first gymnast from her country to qualify for the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in 2023. - Advertisement - Yang noted, 'There's nothing quite like competing at home. My teammates and I have trained for years to reach this level, and knowing that we will be representing Singapore in front of a local crowd makes it even more special. The field this year is incredibly strong, but that just motivates us more. I hope young gymnasts watching will see what's possible and feel inspired to chase their own dreams.' In the junior competition, Singapore will be represented by Lydia Lim and Leia Yap. These young athletes are ready to gain memorable international experience at the event and make their names known on the continental stage. This championship will surely be a valuable opportunity for athletes to compete at a higher level. They could also learn from top gymnasts, which will help them hone their skills and continue to be better for future competitions.
Borneo Post
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
No conflict with pickleball, says tennis chief
Dato Patrick Liew KUCHING (April 29): Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) president Dato Patrick Liew believes tennis will continue to grow despite the increasing popularity of pickleball. He does not see any conflict between the two racket sports. 'I don't think it's anything conflict with tennis. It's two different games. One (tennis) is professional and long-term development. One (pickleball) is a community and social game. 'So I think it should go hand in hand. So those who can continue to perform well in tennis, why not? If those who are unable to perform, like older people or (affected by) injury, they take up pickleball, I think it's okay. At least they exercise. Not hard for them,' he said. Liew made these remarks after the prize presentation for 42nd Premier Sarawak (l) ITF World Junior Tour J300 Kuching at SLTA Centre on Sunday. The 42nd Premier Sarawak tournament was the fifth organised by SLTA within a space of two months. The earlier tournaments were Asia Oceania Pre-Qualifying for the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors, Asia Oceania Pre-Qualifying for the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors for Davis Cup Juniors, Asia-Oceania Final Qualifying ITF World Junior Tennis U14 Girls and Asia-Oceania Final Qualifying ITF World Junior Tennis U14 Boys. Liew revealed that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) had allocated around USD100,000 to help with running the tournaments while Sarawak government through Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministry allocated RM80,000. He noted that ITF senior manager Catherine Michie has indicated that SLTA is capable of hosting bigger tournaments. 'The most important thing here is our community commitment, support from media and so on. And we definitely continue to promote tennis,' he added. conflict Patrick Liew pickleball tennis
