SINGAPORE – Zeng Jian claimed her first Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) Player of the Year gong at the national body’s awards night on Wednesday, following strong performances at two major competitions in 2022.
She had led a young women’s team into the quarter-finals of the World Table Tennis Championships in Chengdu, China. At the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, she picked up two golds, one silver and one bronze.
With the Asian Games and SEA Games in her sights, Zeng, 26, said: “I’m very excited and honoured to win this award. It was a year of challenges, in terms of tactics and expectations, and I’m glad to achieve breakthroughs and learn how to overcome different situations to do my best.”
A total of seven awards and $5,800 in cash prizes were handed out during the annual awards night at Jia He Grand Restaurant in One Farrer Hotel.
Other recipients include Gao Ning (Coach of the Year), Zhou Jingyi (Youth Player of the Year) and Loy Ming Ying (Hopes Player of the Year), who were also first-time winners of their respective categories.
Zhou, 17, said: “This award is an affirmation of my performances in a busy 2022. I hope to build on this and reach new levels in 2023.”
National women’s coach Jing Junhong and national men’s player Clarence Chew also received Special Awards, while the Toa Payoh Zone Training Centre, led by coaches Zhao Peng and Zhang Ying, bagged the Outstanding Zone Training Centre Award.
STTA president Poh Li San said: “The STTA Awards Night is... also a recognition of the tenacity and resilience of our athletes and coaches who have overcome obstacles and succeeded.”
“Beyond the medal achievements, I am glad Team Singapore paddlers have also inspired us with their Singapore spirit. Our award recipients serve as an inspiration and act as positive role models for our young athletes to follow in their footsteps.”
“2022 was a hectic and challenging year for STTA after a two-year hiatus from major games and tournaments. I’m heartened that our athletes and coaches have risen to the challenges and performed well in the Vietnam SEA Games, Birmingham Commonwealth Games and Chengdu WTT World Championships.
“This evening we celebrate the collective achievements by our team and honour the contributions and sporting excellence by our athletes and coaches. I’m confident that our award recipients will continue to push their own boundaries, inspire our young athletes with their tenacity and resilience, and always be their best for the sport they love.”
