Singapore will be known as SGP instead of SIN at sporting events from now on.

The Singapore National Olympic Council announced the change on their Facebook page on Sept. 17, 2016:

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) database has been modified and the new SGP code will be reflected on the IOC website and in future games.

The first major Games which the code will take effect would be at the Sapporo 2017 Asian Winter Games.

Singapore's UN country code is also SGP.

However, as recent as the 2016 Rio Olympics, SIN was still used on the results boards.

Angst over Singapore's abbreviated name has been a long time coming though.

In October 2014, one Andrew Choo Ming Sing was worked up enough to pen a forum letter to The Straits Times denouncing "SIN" while rooting for "SGP".

The baffling letter said:

SEEING the word “SIN” emblazoned across the chests of our beaming Asian Games athletes evoked a feeling that was somewhat bittersweet.

[...]

Sports and travel are two of the most visible platforms through which we project ourselves to the world. “SIN” is the word projected when we make a name for ourselves on these platforms.

Sin cities of the world are well known, for better or for worse.

Whenever Singapore is elevated into focus, the image must be one that is in keeping with our cultural and social mores.

Singapore is not a sin city. But, with the use of the code “SIN”, the eye will make the association, even if the heart and mind know otherwise.

Is it in our national interest for “SIN” to be associated with Singapore?

We should consider adopting the less-used (but not lesser) code “SGP” instead of “SIN”.

Singapore's International Air Transport Association airport code remains as SIN.

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