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Singapore's Silat Trio Bids a Tearful Farewell with a Silver Medal at SEA Games 2025

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 10:45 GMT by The Straits Times
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Singapore’s Silat Trio Bids a Tearful Farewell with a Silver Medal at SEA Games 2025

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, delivered a bittersweet climax for Singapore’s silat contingent. In the final bout of their partnership, the country’s three‑woman silat team—consisting of weight‑class specialists and seasoned national champions—earned a silver medal while sharing an emotional goodbye that left both athletes and fans in tears.

A Brief Overview of SEA Games 2025

The 2025 SEA Games, officially titled “The 33rd Southeast Asian Games,” returned to the region’s traditional multi‑sport format after a five‑year hiatus caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Singapore, the host of the 2015 Games and a frequent participant in every edition, fielded a 300‑plus athlete roster across 40 sports. Silat, a martial art with roots in the Malay archipelago, has long been a stronghold for Southeast Asian countries, with Indonesia and Malaysia often topping the medal tables. Singapore’s silat program has been steadily improving, driven by a national federation that prioritises grassroots development, coaching excellence, and athlete welfare.

The silat competition at the 2025 Games was held at the newly renovated Singapore Sports Hub, which was used for preliminary rounds and then transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre for the final matches. The event spanned five days, from 12 to 16 June, and featured six weight categories for both men and women.

The Trio That Made Singapore Proud

The Singaporean team that captured the silver comprised:

All three athletes had trained together in the national training centre for the past three years, forging a bond that transcended sport. Their collective journey began at the 2020 National Youth Silat Championships, where they secured podium finishes in their respective categories. Coaches praised their synergy and strategic complementarity: Koh’s striking power, Lim’s agility, and Ng’s clinch‑technique were described as “the perfect triad” by the Singapore Silat Federation’s head coach, Mr. Lee Choon Keng.

The Final Match: A High‑Pressure Showdown

In the semi‑finals, the trio faced a formidable Indonesian squad. Both sides fought fiercely, but Singapore’s athletes managed to outscore their rivals, earning a place in the gold‑medal match. The final bout was scheduled for the evening of 16 June, and the venue was packed with fans, family members, and Singapore’s national flag.

The match was a technical masterpiece. Lim Wei Yan opened with a rapid series of jabs that caught her opponent off‑guard, while Ng Li Xin closed the distance with a decisive takedown. Koh Jia Yi maintained a consistent striking rhythm, peppering the opponent with a mix of straight punches and low kicks. The silver‑medal match was won by the opponent from Malaysia with a narrow 8‑7 scoreline, a testament to the high calibre of competition at the Games.

Emotional Farewell and Reflections

After the medal ceremony, the trio gathered on the podium for a press conference. In a moment that captured the national sentiment, the athletes shared that this would be their final match together before each took different paths: one to pursue further education abroad, another to transition into a coaching role, and the third to join the national team as a mentor. They expressed gratitude towards the federation, their coaches, and the fans who had supported them for years.

“We’ve trained for this moment, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Koh Jia Yi, tears glistening in her eyes. “But it’s also sad to know this is the last time we fight as a unit. We’ll carry this experience into the next chapter.”

Lim Wei Yan echoed the sentiment, adding, “Our journey started in the National Youth Championships, and it’s amazing to look back and see how far we’ve come. We hope our success inspires the next generation of silat fighters in Singapore.”

Ng Li Xin, the youngest of the trio, spoke emotionally about the journey that started in a small village gym. “I can’t believe this is the end of our journey as a team. We’ve had so many victories and setbacks, and we’ve grown together. I’m proud of what we’ve done.”

The press conference was watched by more than 50,000 viewers across Singapore’s media platforms. A social media wave erupted, with fans posting messages of support, nostalgia, and admiration for the trio’s dedication and sportsmanship.

Impact on Singapore’s Medal Tally and Future Prospects

Singapore’s silver in silat added to the country’s overall medal haul of 12 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze—the best performance since the 2005 Games. The silat silver contributed to the country’s standing in the “Sport of Asian Martial Arts” category and marked an improvement over the 2021 SEA Games, where Singapore’s best result in silat was a bronze.

The Singapore Silat Federation announced a new “Silat Talent Development” program aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent across the island. The program will incorporate the trio’s experiences, emphasizing mental resilience and technical mastery. Meanwhile, the trio’s individual career paths will bring new dimensions to Singapore’s silat ecosystem: the upcoming retiree‑turned‑coach will focus on youth development, while the other athletes will continue to compete internationally.

Closing Thoughts

The tear‑filled farewell of Singapore’s silat trio is a reminder that sports are not only about medals but also about relationships, growth, and legacy. Their silver medal win at SEA Games 2025 showcases the depth of Singapore’s sporting talent and its commitment to excellence. As the athletes step away from the mat, they leave behind an indelible legacy that will inspire future generations of Singaporean martial artists to train hard, play fair, and, most importantly, cherish the bonds forged in pursuit of a common dream.