20th Asian Masters – Singapore’s medal haul

3 days of wet weather almost ruined the conscientious effort of the people of Rugao in organizing this bi annual event. Rain came pouring exactly on the first day of the Meet and during the Opening Ceremony. This did not dampen the spirit of the people of Rugao. The children and youth were out in full force to welcome the visitors and athletes to the game, donning raincoats over their beautiful costumes. They were full of enthusiasm and charmingly disarming. They danced in the rain, as young as 10 or 11 years old. The youths were in high spirit, boisterous and in a joyous mood, their youthful innocence and carefree spirit were more than enough to bring joy to everyone. This event could be their first international event and they were putting out their very best to make the visitors feel welcomed.
 
Fair weather returned on the third day and so were the medals. Singapore came home with 4 golds, 5 silvers and 9 bronzes. (3 still unaccountable)
 
The top performer in Team Singapore is Tan Kim Seng with 2 gold in 200m and 400m in the 55-59 age group. 85 year old Kor Hong Fatt did just as impressive with gold in 10,000km, silver in 5,000km and bronze in 1,500m.  The other gold is from Steven in 200m. Steven also won a bronze for 100m as well. Ansgar won a silver for 5000m. Jason, the team leader brought home a silver for his 100m hurdles and was poised for a gold in his favourite event in the 400m hurdles but had to rush home after receiving message that his mother had a stroke. Belinda Foo and Linda too had their shares of silvers and bronzes. 


And Leong Hon Cheong just reminded me that I have left out my good friend Paul Su, ex national runner and his bronze medal for 100m.
 
More details of the medals winners will be added to this post later.
 
The Singapore Team also had the services of Rick Mather, a PR from UK and Mark Dixon from Australia and Reza from Iran. Rick brought home 2 bronzes, for the men’s 4x100 35 age group and 400m. These two angmos thoroughly enjoyed their time with Team Singapore and in Rugao. Mark almost brought home a beautiful and instant wife and son from his one week stay in Rugao: ). Reza too was having a great time with the strong Iranian athletes in Rugao. (I totally forgotten about Taka, our Japanese team member. Only knew he was in Rugao after chatting with him at the Flash athletic meet this afternoon, 7 Oct, at Bishan. He had an injury just like Thomas and were unable to compete in Rugao though making the trip there.)
 
Will add in more info as they came in.

PS. To all the regulars here, I am back. Normal service will resume ASAP.
 
Tan Kim Seng

Uncle Kor - Our superman

Results
Ansgar - silver in 5000m
Uncle Kor - gold in 10,000m, silver in 5000m, bronze in 1,500m
Kim Seng - gold in 200m, 400m
Steven - gold in 200m, bronze in 100m
Jason - silver in 100m hurdles
Belinda - silver in 80m hurdles
Linda - silver in 200m
Rick - bronze in 400m
Paul Su - bronze in 100m
Bronze for 4x100m for 35-39 and 70-75 
Bronze for 4x400 for 70-75