Ivy Singh-Lim rewards Singapore Vandas for Asian Netball Championships victory

Ivy Singh-Lim, affectionately known as the “Gentle Warrior,” has presented a S$15,000 reward to Singapore’s national netball team, the Singapore Vandas, in recognition of their victory at the 13th Asian Netball Championships held in Bengaluru, India, last month.

The reward, distributed among players and officials, was announced during the Bollywood Women’s Farm Festival at Bollywood Farms.

Singh-Lim, a former President of Netball Singapore and the Asian Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA), expressed her immense pride in the team’s accomplishment and her belief in the empowering role of netball for women in Singapore.

Among the attendees were players Sindhu Nair (GK, GD), Tan Yi Jie (C, WA, WD), and Lee Pei Shi (GS, GA), as well as Cyrus Medora, CEO of Netball Singapore.

The Singapore Vandas’ victory marks the nation’s fourth Asian Netball Championships title and their first since 2014, setting the stage for ambitious goals, including a gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

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Singh-Lim, 75, has been a pillar of netball in Singapore. Serving as President of Netball Singapore from 1992 to 2006, she spearheaded initiatives that elevated the sport’s local and regional profile.

Key milestones during her tenure include improved facilities, greater participation in international competitions, and the establishment of the semi-professional Netball Super League in 2000.

Her efforts also contributed to netball’s inclusion in the SEA Games in 2001, where Singapore won a silver medal.

Speaking at the event, Singh-Lim shared, “Netball has always been deeply close to my heart, mainly because it is a women’s sport. It fosters resilience, builds strength, and cultivates a culture of healthy living within our community. This victory is far more than just a title — it is a testament to the incredible potential of our women and what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and teamwork.”

She further emphasised the inspiring nature of netball as a women-led sport, stating, “The players are disciplined, dedicated, and driven to excel. I hope netball is seen as an equivalent to other sports such as golf, where it rallies women together and binds friendships and support.”

During the festival, Singh-Lim also highlighted the need to include regional achievements, such as the Asian Netball Championships, in Singapore’s Major Games Award Programme (MAP). She stressed that celebrating regional victories is crucial for nurturing local talent and fostering a culture of excellence.

“Success isn’t always measured on a global scale. Our regional wins are just as significant and deserve recognition. We need to nurture the talents that we have at home and highlight the importance of celebrating each milestone throughout the journey,” she said.

The Bollywood Women’s Farm Festival, a celebration of food, community, and empowerment, was a fitting venue to honour the Singapore Vandas’ triumph. The event mirrored Singh-Lim’s lifelong dedication to advancing women’s netball and promoting the sport’s role in fostering resilience and unity within Singapore’s community.

As the Singapore Vandas prepare for future challenges, including their pursuit of a gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games, Singh-Lim’s gesture serves as a testament to the enduring support for netball in Singapore and its role in empowering women and strengthening community ties.