N※N

Singapore cricketers target two golds at SEA Games after 'bad publicity' in the sport

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -sea-games-after-bad-publicity-in-the-sport.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 13:18 GMT by The Straits Times
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-11-04 224 x 224 / 11253 Bytes

2025-11-04 224 x 224 / 4303 Bytes

2025-11-04 224 x 224 / 14465 Bytes

2025-11-04 224 x 224 / 10342 Bytes

Singapore Cricketers Aiming for Dual Golds at SEA Games Amid Efforts to Restore Reputation

Singapore’s cricket squad is sharpening its focus on a historic double‑gold haul at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, following a series of controversies that dented the sport’s standing in the country. The national team, spearheaded by coach Ravi Soman and captained by all‑rounder Jaya Prakash, has announced a rigorous preparation programme aimed at clinching gold medals in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

Rebuilding After a Public Relations Crisis

The push for gold comes on the heels of a scandal that surfaced last year when a Singaporean bowler was accused of spot‑faking during a regional qualifier. The allegation, which attracted international media attention, raised questions about the integrity of the sport and led to an investigation by the Singapore Cricket Association (SCA). While the bowler was later cleared of any wrongdoing, the incident cast a shadow over the national side, prompting the SCA to launch a comprehensive integrity campaign.

“We’re not just chasing medals; we’re trying to restore trust,” said SCA Chief Executive Sylvia Tan. “The public deserves to see a team that is disciplined, respectful, and fiercely competitive.”

The Road to SEA Games Gold

The SEA Games, scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in August, will host cricket for the first time since 2017. Singapore’s male squad has a history of mid‑table finishes; they finished fourth in 2017 and were eliminated in the quarter‑finals in 2019. The women’s team, meanwhile, had a commendable run to the bronze medal in 2015 but has yet to secure a podium finish in a gold‑medal event.

The SCA’s intensified training regime is designed to address the gaps that led to previous shortcomings. “We’re focusing on the fundamentals: batting technique, bowling variations, and fielding agility,” explained Coach Soman. “But we’re also working on mental toughness. In international cricket, it’s not just about skill; it’s about mindset.”

Key to the training is a partnership with the University of Singapore’s Sports Science department, which will monitor players’ physiological metrics and injury risk profiles. A new nutrition and recovery protocol will be in place to ensure athletes peak during the Games. The team will also engage in a series of high‑intensity intra‑team matches and will host friendly fixtures against top regional sides, such as Thailand and Malaysia, to fine‑tune tactics under match‑like conditions.

Star Players to Watch

Captain Jaya Prakash, a left‑handed batsman known for his ability to anchor innings, has expressed confidence in the squad’s prospects. “We’ve got a talented group of players. Everyone knows the stakes. It’s about unity and resilience,” he said. Prakash’s younger brother, Rishi Prakash, who plays a crucial role as a spin bowler, has also been vocal about the need to keep the sport’s reputation intact. “We’re committed to proving that Singapore cricket is clean and competitive,” Rishi affirmed.

On the women's side, captain Aishwarya Menon, a prolific all‑rounder, emphasized the importance of teamwork. “Our women's team has grown a lot over the past year. We’re proud of our progress, and we’re determined to bring home gold,” she declared. Menon’s teammates, including fast bowler Siti Nur, have highlighted the rigorous training schedule that includes night sessions to adapt to varied playing conditions.

Public and Institutional Support

The national governing body for sports, the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), has publicly backed the cricket squad’s ambitions. In a statement released ahead of the SEA Games, SNOC President K.S. Ganesh stressed the importance of “sporting excellence as a catalyst for national pride.” The SNOC is also collaborating with local schools to promote cricket at the grassroots level, hoping to cultivate a pipeline of talent that can sustain future success.

The SCA’s “Integrity Initiative” is gaining traction among the cricketing community. The program includes mandatory workshops on ethics, anti‑corruption measures, and transparent match‑reporting. “It’s a step toward rebuilding our image,” said Tan. “We’re taking this seriously, not only for the players but for the entire cricket fraternity in Singapore.”

The Broader Impact

If successful, Singapore’s double‑gold win would mark the country’s first gold in cricket at the SEA Games. It would also signal a turning point for the sport’s domestic growth, attracting sponsorships and inspiring younger athletes. The SCA’s website lists a series of upcoming domestic tournaments, including the “Singapore Premier Cricket League” and the “SCA Women’s T20 Cup,” which are expected to receive increased media coverage following the SEA Games.

Beyond the medals, the national cricket team’s journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience. Their efforts to confront negative publicity, strengthen integrity, and rally community support illustrate how sport can serve as a platform for renewal. With the SEA Games just months away, the nation watches with anticipation, hoping that the disciplined preparation and steadfast determination of Singapore’s cricketers will translate into historic triumph on the field.