Many of our sporting talents started out as an everyday athlete, enjoying sports in school or a game with Dad. But what was that one defining moment where they knew, without a doubt, that the sport they enjoy is more than a recreational game to them? Three athletes share their journey with Here-to-Play.

Sheik Farhan

Sheik Farhan. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SILAT FEDERATION

Commonly referred to as just “silat”, pencak silat is a martial art indigenous to Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, it’s practiced around the world and is a key event at regional sports meets.

“I started training in silat at the age of three,” said Sheik Farhan. “My father has always been enthusiastic about silat and brought my siblings and I for training on Sundays. This continued until I was older and silat turned into a competitive sport for me.”

A three-time world champion, 24-year-old Sheik was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list earlier this year. He shares that his goal in life is to do his best in his sport and his studies, and that representing Singapore in silat is an important personal milestone in this journey. His family has supported and encouraged him throughout his career, helping to propel him to new heights.

His athletic career hasn’t been a cakewalk, though. One of the toughest moments of his career came in 2018, when he lost at the Asian Games. It was a moment he will never forget, but is also a key motivating factor.

Sheik’s father played an especially big role in his success — he stepped in to coach Sheik personally and helped him improve after his defeat.
“My defeat at the Asian Games helped me identify and rectify the mistakes I made at that competition,” said Sheik, who has since grown into a wiser and more formidable pugilist.

Jaslyn Hooi

Jaslyn Hooi. PHOTO: SINGAPORE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION

When she defeated India’s Samiya Imad Farooqui to win the Polish International badminton final in September this year, Jaslyn Hooi established her position as one of Singapore’s most promising badminton talents. Her performances have helped her steadily climb the world rankings, and now the 21-year-old athlete is eyeing a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“My dad was a competitive badminton player, so we often play together recreationally,” said Jaslyn Hooi, who has won medals in competitions held in countries like Poland, Belgium, Indonesia and Singapore. “I started to get serious about this sport, because I share the same passion as my dad; we love how dynamic and unpredictable the game is.”

“When I entered the National Intermediate Squad in Singapore Sports School, I was exposed to multiple international junior competitions,” she continues. “At one of them, the Jaya Raya Grand Prix 2017, I managed to get into the finals. That was when I realised I have the potential to go further, to get to the highest level of badminton.”

One of the biggest challenges Hooi faces is injuries, which can sometimes prevent her from training for at least two weeks at a stretch and require her to spend time getting back on track after recovery. She believes a positive mindset is key to success. By analysing her matches and visualising how she can do better, she is able to identify problems that might have previously gone unnoticed.

“My family has been my biggest supporter,” she says. “They give me the freedom to chase my dreams, and never once have they tried to micromanage my career. They gave me the space to find my way, which helped shape me into who I am today. My coach, Kelvin Ho, has also helped a lot in my transition from a junior to a senior player and gave me the confidence that I can achieve so much more with the right mindset.”

Lavin Raj

Lavin Raj. PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE

Lavin Raj was first introduced to basketball in primary school. Today, at 21 and towering above the average Singaporean at 2 metres tall, he is one of the most recognisable faces on the Singapore Slingers professional basketball team.

“Initially, I wasn’t really interested, because I didn’t know much about basketball,” says Lavin.

Lavin’s primary school teachers had invited him on two occasions to try out for the school team. “The second time, I was invited to watch my primary school senior boys team basketball game. After watching the game, I decided to give it a shot, as it seemed like a lot of fun. Once I started going for training, I never stopped. Watching the 2015 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games motivated me to train harder and I became more serious during training and spent more time trying to get into the national squad.”

Lavin worked hard and eventually debuted as part of the Singapore men’s national basketball team in 2017. He was slated to compete at the 2017 SEA Games, but almost missed it due to a stress fracture in his foot.

“As the SEA Games got closer, I was worried that I would not be able to compete due to my injury,” he said. “I wanted to compete, so I poured all my energy into rehab and rest. Luckily, the doctor cleared me and I got to play at the
SEA Games.”

Like many top athletes, there are a host of supporters behind Lavin — his teachers, coaches, and especially his parents.

“Since day one, my parents have supported me in my sporting journey,” he said. Much bigger-sized than most Singaporeans, Lavin requires extra large-sized shoes and clothing, and his mother would travel to Malaysia to shop for him.

“Never once have they been opposed to me playing basketball,” said Lavin. “They have always encouraged me to do better, encouraged me after games, and made sure I get ample rest when I am exhausted. I want to thank them for being on this journey with me, for never giving up on me, always pushing me, encouraging me and providing for me.”