Latest news with #SNOC
AsiaOne
4 days ago
- Sport
- AsiaOne
Young Lions and distance runner Soh Rui Yong left out of SEA Games contingent, Singapore News
SINGAPORE – Singapore will be fielding its largest-ever contingent for the Dec 9-20 SEA Games, but high-profile names such as the national men's Under-22 football team and two-time marathon champion Soh Rui Yong have been omitted from the initial list. The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) on Aug 6 announced the first batch of athletes and teams selected for the Games, with a total of 762 athletes across 42 sports provisionally picked for the event. The national sports associations have until Aug 15 to lodge appeals for their athletes. It is understood that the Young Lions missed the initial cut as they have not produced any international results that meet the SNOC's qualifying criteria of matching the third-placed finishers of the previous edition. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) had withdrawn the team from the Asean U-23 Championship from July 15 to 29, whose results could have been used to support their nomination for the SEA Games. This would be the first time since 1969 that Singapore are not competing in the football competition at the Games. The Republic first played in the SEA Games men's football tournament in 1965 before sitting out in 1967 and 1969 – they have featured in every edition since, winning three silvers and four bronzes when it was a senior competition until 1999. When it became an U-23 tournament from 2001, the Young Lions won three bronzes in 2007, 2009 and 2013. After the age limit was further lowered to 22, Singapore have not made the podium and reached a nadir in 2023, when they finished bottom of their group and were thumped 7-0 by arch-rivals Malaysia. The Straits Times understands that the FAS will challenge the decision. It has made preparations for the U-22 side to play friendlies against the Philippines and Malaysia – both teams did not make the semi-finals in 2023 – in August to back up their appeal. On the situation, FAS president Forrest Li said at its media day on Aug 6: 'There is a selection process and certain criteria, and it's not just for football, there are a lot of sports and we understand that. What we can do now is to try our best to meet the selection criteria, and I think we still have a very decent chance (of the team competing at the SEA Games). 'We are working very closely with all the stakeholders... (who) understand it is important for our fans to see our football teams at the SEA Games, and this provides a tremendous opportunity for our young footballers. So, we will keep trying.' In athletics, two-time SEA Games marathon champion Soh was left out of the squad despite meeting the 2hr 35min 49sec qualifying mark – he clocked 2:27:49 at the Houston Marathon in January. The SNOC said in its statement: 'The SNOC selection committee has not supported the nomination of Soh Rui Yong at this stage. The SNOC has been in dialogue with Singapore Athletics regarding his nomination, and should Singapore Athletics choose to re-submit it, the SNOC will review the nomination through its appeals committee in due course. 'The SNOC reaffirms its commitment to sending athletes who not only meet the performance benchmarks but also uphold the values and behaviours expected of Singapore's national representatives. Representing the nation is both a privilege and a responsibility that demands sporting excellence and exemplary character.' Soh, Singapore's fastest marathoner (2:22:59) who won gold in 2015 and 2017, was also not selected for the SEA Games in 2019 and 2022, as well as the 2018 Asian Games, following clashes with the SNOC. The SNOC previously noted that Soh's conduct and behaviour 'have continued to fall short' of the standards it expects of and holds its athletes to. In athletics, double SEA Games marathon champion Soh was left out of the squad despite meeting the 2hr 35min 49sec qualifying mark – he clocked 2:27:49 at the Houston Marathon in January. PHOTO: Soh Rui Yong However, he was picked for the 2023 SEA Games, where he did not compete in the marathon but won the 10,000m silver in Cambodia. He then missed the Asian Games in 2023 for failure to 'honour commitments which he had provided to the SNOC, including on occasions following his participation at the Cambodia 2023 SEA Games', as the organisation noted that he had 'continued to make disparaging and derisive remarks about others in the public domain'. Thanking Singapore Athletics president Lien Choong Luen and deputy general manager Bastian Dohling for attending to the matter, Soh, who turned 34 on Aug 6, said: 'I'm currently enjoying my birthday and not worrying about SEA Games selection. I'll leave it to Singapore Athletics to do the necessary, our association has been great and nothing but helpful.' Other than the Young Lions and Soh, the national polo and woodball teams, as well as men's volleyball team were not selected for the upcoming SEA Games. Additional reporting by Deepanraj Ganesan This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
CNA
5 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
Singapore men's football team, runner Soh Rui Yong left out of provisional 2025 SEA Games list
SINGAPORE: Singapore's distance runner Soh Rui Yong and the men's under-22 football team have been left out of the preliminary list for the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. In a media release on Wednesday (Aug 6), the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) said the selection committee has not supported the nomination of Soh "at this stage". "The SNOC has been in dialogue with Singapore Athletics regarding his nomination, and should Singapore Athletics choose to resubmit it, the SNOC will review the nomination through its Appeals Committee in due course," it said. The SNOC added that it reaffirms its commitment to sending athletes who "not only meet the performance benchmarks but also uphold the values and behaviours expected of Singapore's national representatives". The council on Wednesday announced the first batch of athletes and teams selected to represent Singapore at the 33rd SEA Games, which will be held from Dec 9 to 20. A total of 762 athletes across 42 sports have been provisionally selected to represent the country. The men's football team and Soh were not on the list. In the previous SEA Games, the Singapore men's team suffered a 7-0 defeat to Malaysia in their final group game. "Some athletes and teams remain under consideration, as they work towards meeting the required benchmarks," said SNOC. "For some events, the national sports associations (NSAs) will make the selection and decide on the final composition of their team from the pre-qualified athletes. "Some NSAs are awaiting the results of the impending matches that have just missed the deadline.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
S'pore National Olympic Council launches book series honouring local athletes in celebration of SG60
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (From left) Fandi Ahmad, Loh Kean Yew and Max Maeder at the launch of Singapore's Sports Champions at *Scape on Aug 5. SINGAPORE – It is not often that Maximilian Maeder finishes last in a race, but on one occasion during the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, the Singapore kitefoiler constantly found himself at the back of the pack. These were not races on water, though. Instead, they took place on the virtual race tracks of popular video game Mario Kart, which Maeder and his fellow sailors were playing to unwind during the multi-sport meet in China. Even though it was just a video game, the teenager – who won a kitefoiling gold medal off the coasts of Ningbo during that Asiad – refused to back down from a challenge. Recalling the memory in amusement, the 18-year-old said: 'I was frustrated so much by that one night of Mario Kart when I finished last, last, last, that I went back, read about it, did research, watched YouTube videos, practised, and then the next day came back and managed to win the races because I was so upset that I finished last in a little video game.' The Paris Olympics bronze medallist reminisced about this moment at *Scape on Aug 5, during the unveiling of Singapore's Sports Champions, a children's book series that celebrates the journeys of eight Singaporean athletes. Spearheaded by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) in conjunction with SG60, the series comprises six books. They document the stories of footballers Irfan, Ikhsan and Ilhan Fandi; 2021 badminton world champion Loh Kean Yew; two-time world champion Maeder; Asian Games gold-winning sprinter Shanti Pereira; Olympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling; and golfer Shannon Tan, a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour. The series is part of SNOC's broader mission to promote the Olympic spirit in Singapore and inspire young people through stories of local athletes. Maeder's 'comeback victory' in the video game, which demonstrates the reigning Sportsman of the Year's willingness to learn from defeat, can be found in the book on him. In her speech, SNOC president Grace Fu said: 'This book series honours each of our Team Singapore athletes and through their journeys, we hope to spark the imagination of the next generation because there's no better way to inspire young people than through real life role models, those who've scaled the pinnacles of their sport and those who are still on their way up.' The books were authored by Chen Jei Min, Matthew Gan, Claire Lum, Jaime Niam, Puah Rui Xian and Derek Wong from content and communications agency The Nutgraf. Wong said: 'Children in Singapore are familiar with the stories of global sports stars like Lionel Messi. Finally, they can read all about champions from these very shores, Singaporeans who are just like them.' World No. 9 Loh, who also attended the launch, hopes his book, which details the challenges and successes of his sporting career, will serve as encouragement for aspiring athletes and generate more support for local sports. (From left) Singapore Golf Association chief executive Joshua Ho; May Yim Schooling; Singapore kitefoiler Max Maeder; SNOC president Grace Fu; Jeet and Clarence Pereira; Singapore badminton player Loh Kean Yew; and Fandi Ahmad and his daughter Iman Fandi at the launch of Singapore's Sports Champions. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'To be featured in this book is quite an honour and it feels like I can leave something for the next generation and hopefully inspire them,' said the multiple SEA Games medallist, who has 10 career titles. 'Hopefully after they read the book and they share it around, there will be more people in Singapore involved in sports and supporting Team Singapore athletes.' Maeder expressed surprise that his life is now chronicled in a book, saying: 'It's a wonderful thing to have a book written about you and be able to share that type of story. 'It's inspiring to see that there is so much will to put stories out there and so much good reception about it, so genuinely I'm very happy about it.' Max Maeder and Loh Kean Yew signing autographs at the launch of Singapore?s Sports Champions. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Like Loh, he hopes that the series will have a positive impact on those who read it. He said: 'I think it's a lot up to their own interpretation – it's really what you read and what you see. 'I only hope that what they do see and pick up will give them a bit of a spark to take that step, to make that decision that ultimately ends up being a great one for them down the line.'
Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
IOC president Kirsty Coventry a ‘huge supporter' of Singapore
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox IOC president Kirsty Coventry (left) called on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during her three-day visit to Singapore. SINGAPORE - International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry has pledged stronger cooperation with Singapore in her first visit to the Republic since she was elected to the top post on March 20. At a luncheon hosted by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) at Swissotel The Stamford on July 29, she met about 150 Singapore Olympians, youth Olympians and representatives from the national sports associations, partners and sponsors. Her predecessor Thomas Bach was also in attendance. In her speech, she said: 'I know that our partnership will only continue to get stronger. You have a huge supporter in me. My door is always open. 'As athletes, we strive to inspire the next generation. Thank you for the commitment to ensuring that sport remains an inspiration and a platform for young people to live out their dreams.' Coventry is in town for the World Aquatics Championships, which end on Aug 3. During her three-day visit, she also called on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attended the induction of the 2025 honorees to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which included Singapore's Olympic champion Joseph Schooling. (From left) Singapore's Olympic champion Joseph Schooling, former IOC president Thomas Bach, IOC member Ng Ser Miang and IOC president Kirsty Coventry at a luncheon hosted by the Singapore National Olympic Council at Swissotel the Stamford on July 29. PHOTO: SNOC She also visited the Botanic Gardens, where a new orchid, Dendrobium Kirsty Coventry, was named in her honour, before she took part in a tree dedication ceremony at Gardens by the Bay. The 41-year-old, a former swimmer who won seven Olympic medals – including two golds – for Zimbabwe, is the first African and woman to lead the IOC. She is also a former sports administrator and politician. IOC president Kirsty Coventry is pictured with the Dendrobium Kirsty Coventry, a new orchid named in her honour, at the Botanic Gardens. PHOTO: SNOC She last visited Singapore in 2013, when she was a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission. Welcoming Coventry back to Singapore, SNOC president Grace Fu, said during the luncheon: 'Since then, your leadership and impact on global sport have continued to grow, and your presence here today reaffirms our shared commitment to the Olympic ideals. 'Your visit also marks a meaningful moment for our sporting community - a chance to reflect on our progress, and more importantly, where we are headed, together with the Olympic Movement. 'For the Singapore National Olympic Council, our athletes are – and will always be – at the heart of what we do.'
Sharjah 24
25-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed inaugurates Sharjah's 1st solar plant ‘SANA'
His Highness highlighted that launching Sharjah's first solar power plant marks an important step forward in the emirate's quest for sustainable energy. His Highness emphasized that this initiative is part of the broader goals of the emirate's Energy Council, which focuses on planning for the future of energy and water in the region. His Highness emphasized that this project reflects Sharjah's dedication to protecting the environment and its focus on using clean and renewable energy. His Highness highlighted that the project is a great example of how teamwork and innovation can help create a greener and more sustainable future. The inauguration ceremony began with the national anthem of the UAE. Eng. Khamis Al Mazrouei, the CEO of Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), gave a speech about the new station called 'SANA,' which means bright light. He expressed his joy and pride in this achievement, which started as an idea from some of the company's engineers eight years ago who aimed to create renewable energy projects in Sharjah. Al Mazrouei highlighted that the shift to using renewable energy is no longer just a choice; it's something that must be done to keep up with the fast changes happening in the energy world. He pointed out that the leaders at SNOC are committed to making this transition a key part of their strategy, aiming to move towards a more sustainable and responsible way of operating. Al Mazrouei talked about the start of a solar power project back in 2018. It began with a small solar power plant, built at the Hamriyah LNG terminal, with a capacity to produce 300 kilowatts of energy. This facility was designed to power operations using clean energy, marking the first step toward what would eventually become the larger SANA solar power plant in the Sajaa area. He emphasized that the SANA project is more than just a way to generate energy; it's also an investment in the country's talented workforce. Many of the workers involved in this project are Emirati nationals who graduated from local universities. Al Mazrouei highlighted that this initiative aligns with the goals of the Corporation to be a dependable energy provider. The focus is on achieving carbon neutrality, diversifying energy sources, and ensuring safe and sustainable practices. Ultimately, this project aims to bring lasting benefits to the Emirate of Sharjah, its residents, and the broader community. The CEO of SNOC commended this achievement, which would not have been possible without the generous blessing of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the directives of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Energy Council, and the leadership and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Sharjah Petroleum Department, and Chairman of the Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), and Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the SNOC. Al Mazrouei wrapped up his speech by thanking everyone who played a part in the success of the solar power plant project. He acknowledged the contributions of both people and organizations, highlighting their teamwork and strategic collaboration as key elements in making the project successful. He expressed his belief that what has been accomplished so far is just the start of even bigger goals we can achieve together in the future. Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Chairman of Emerge, delivered a statement during the inauguration ceremony of 'SANA,' expressing his genuine pleasure at the occasion. He noted that this project signifies a significant achievement not only for the Emirate of Sharjah but also for the United Arab Emirates and the broader region. Al Obaidli conveyed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the successful realization of this initiative, including the dedicated work teams, engineers, technicians, and consultants. Furthermore, he acknowledged the substantial support provided by Masdar and EDF in bringing this project to fruition. Al Obaidli shared insights about the 'SANA' project, highlighting that it's much more than just a clean energy initiative. It symbolizes the leadership's commitment to renewable energy solutions and demonstrates that everyone involved is dedicated to building a more sustainable future. He pointed out that this project will boost energy security in Sharjah by producing clean energy. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change by helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, making a tangible difference for both the environment and the economy, both locally and nationally. The Chairman of Emerge highlighted the company's dedication to offering innovative and effective renewable energy solutions. These solutions help partners meet their environmental and economic goals. He also mentioned that the company has completed this project and will manage its operation and maintenance for the next 25 years. This shows the company's confidence in the region's potential and emphasizes the strong relationships it has built with partners who trust Emerge to deliver reliable, sustainable energy options. Al Obaidli concluded his remarks by stating, "The success of the SANA project demonstrates the potential outcomes when visions are aligned and collaborative efforts are made between the public and private sectors. Emerge anticipates further partnerships in this area and aims for this achievement to serve as a starting point for additional initiatives that promote a more sustainable future for current and future generations." His Highness, the Chairman of the SNOC, recently watched a film showcasing the development of the SANA plant. The film highlighted the key features of the facility and the hard work put in by the engineers and partners involved in the project. Fatima Al Hammadi, Project Manager of SANA, delivered a speech in which she discussed the importance of the partnerships and efforts made to launch the solar power plant. She noted that the project originated from an individual's idea, which was later brought to life through collective efforts. She pointed out that the SANA project is the result of real teamwork among different groups from various industries, such as electricity, gas, and clean energy. Everyone involved has the same aim: to promote clean energy. She praised the hard work that is contributing to a future with less carbon pollution. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed recognized the partners by presenting them with special shields as a token of appreciation and took group photos with them. He also had the opportunity to meet the Emirati engineers involved in the project, expressing his admiration for their hard work and wishing them all the best for the future. His Highness officially launched the solar power plant by pressing the inauguration button, marking the beginning of its operations. After that, His Highness took a tour of the site to explore the various facilities and features of SANA's plant. The plant is the largest in Sharjah and is notable for being the first to utilize renewable energy to power the emirate's oil and natural gas facilities. Additionally, it is one of the first plants in the world designed to not only supply its own electricity needs but also to export any extra power it generates. During the tour, His Highness was updated on the stages of the 60-megawatt SANA solar power plant project. This facility can produce clean energy that would be enough to power about 13,780 homes each year. By doing this, it helps to lower carbon dioxide emissions by 66,000 tons each year, contributing to a cleaner environment. The plant features 13,000 flexible poles that can move to follow the sun's path, maximizing energy collection. These poles support over 98,000 solar panels, working together to harness solar power efficiently. His Highness received a description of how a new renewable energy plant works. This plant is designed to generate clean energy that will support the projects of the Sharjah National Oil Corporation. During the day, when the plant produces extra electricity, that energy will be sent to the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority. At night, SEWA will supply the electricity needed for the Sharjah National Oil Corporation's operations. The opening of the solar power plant marks an important step for SNOC as it works towards its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative is part of the UAE's broader plan for environmental sustainability. The solar plant not only shows SNOC's dedication to improving its energy practices and reducing carbon emissions but also promotes the use of different energy sources. This project is designed to benefit both the environment and the economy in the long run. The solar power plant project is being developed with the support of the SNOC. This initiative is a collaboration between the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) and Emerge, a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and the French company EDF Group. Emerge has been chosen to oversee the operation of the plant. The opening ceremony for the plant was graced by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Dr. Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Petroleum Department and Deputy Chairman of SNOC, and several senior officials from the energy sector and representatives from companies involved in the project.
