930 athletes from 48 sports to represent S'pore in largest-ever SEA Games contingent

Come December, 930 athletes across 48 sports will represent Singapore at the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok.

This will be Singapore's largest contingent at the SEA Games to date.

Alongside them, 41 para athletes across 11 sports will fly the flag high for Singapore at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand from Jan. 20 to Jan. 26, 2026.

The Team Singapore contingent for the two events was announced on Nov. 8.

Close to 100 sport science and sport medicine professionals – including doctors, dietitians, biomechanists, psychologists, physiologists, physiotherapists, and sport trainers – will also be deployed across various locations in Thailand.

This represents the largest support team ever sent for a Major Games.

Largest ever contingent

Speaking at a flag presentation ceremony at Dunman High School, Singapore National Olympic Council president Grace Fu said this year's contingent celebrates a "diversity in age, experience and aspirations".

Fu noted that Singapore is fielding 438 female athletes, and 551 debutants at the 2025 SEA Games from Dec. 9 to Dec. 20, 2025.

The Chef de Mission for the 2025 SEA Games contingent is Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) president and SNOC vice-president Lawrence Leow.

Leow will be aided by three assistant Chefs de Mission, 2025 World Aquartics Championships project director Ng Eng Soon, deputy director and team lead at the Safe Sport Commission Wang Shao-Ing, and two-time SEA Games squash gold medallist Samuel Kang.

Meanwhile, the 2026 ASEAN Para Games contingent will be led by Singapore Disability Sports Council honorary treasurer Gary Chong.

Leow told reporters that his team hopes to provide the best logistical and medical support to the Team Singapore contingent.

When asked about the strategy of fielding debutants, Leow said this will allow them to gain invaluable exposure and experience before Singapore hosts the 2029 SEA Games.

Flying the flag high

During the ceremony, ju-jitsu athlete Noah Lim and national shuttler Yeo Jia Min were unveiled as the flag bearers for the 33rd SEA Games, while para-judo athlete Joan Hung will be the flag bearer for the 13th ASEAN Para Games.

Lim, 23, who is the defending SEA Games champion, just took home silver at the world championships on Nov. 7.

Lim told reporters that he goes into this SEA Games "not as an underdog, but as a reigning champion", but he will keep trying to improve, do his best and hopefully bring home some medals.

Yeo, 26, who has won multiple bronze medals at the SEA Games in the team event, said it is an honour to lead Team Singapore out as a flag bearer.

"I've yet to win a gold medal for Singapore, so I really am trying to aim for that and trying to prepare as best as I can this month," said Yeo.

An expectant mood could be felt in the packed auditorium as Team Singapore athletes recited the Singapore pledge and sang the national anthem during the ceremony.

"As we send Team Singapore off today, I know you will carry not just our flag, but the hopes and pride of an entire nation. To all our athletes, compete with courage, integrity, and unity. Give your very best, and know that Singapore stands behind you every step of the way," said Fu.

Go Team Singapore!

Top image by Lim Weixiang/SNOC