Cover Para‑shooter Chan Han Siong at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year
Three Singapore Paralympians heading to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which takes place from August 28 to September 8, share how overcoming the mental barrier is the biggest challenge in their respective journeys to the pinnacle of sports
You can say that Chan Han Siong came on the shooting para sport scene like a bolt from the blue. It was at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year that the para‑shooter won the quota placing for Singapore to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. “It was my first major competition,” Chan recalls. “And knowing how strong the [competition is at] the Asian level, my coach and I went into the competition without any expectations. So this came as a huge surprise, as the Paralympics is a dream goal for every para‑athlete.”
For Chan, who competes in the men’s 10‑metre air pistol category, Hangzhou was particularly memorable for one other reason: “One week before the competition, my weapon started malfunctioning, but we managed to save it,” he shares. “And during the practice session, my scores weren’t ideal. But I somehow managed to hit a new personal best [and a national record] at the competition with a score of 565. It made me relook how I manage my [own] expectations and have more trust in my ability.”
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You can say that Chan Han Siong came on the shooting para sport scene like a bolt from the blue. It was at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year that the para‑shooter won the quota placing for Singapore to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. “It was my first major competition,” Chan recalls. “And knowing how strong the [competition is at] the Asian level, my coach and I went into the competition without any expectations. So this came as a huge surprise, as the Paralympics is a dream goal for every para‑athlete.”
For Chan, who competes in the men’s 10‑metre air pistol category, Hangzhou was particularly memorable for one other reason: “One week before the competition, my weapon started malfunctioning, but we managed to save it,” he shares. “And during the practice session, my scores weren’t ideal. But I somehow managed to hit a new personal best [and a national record] at the competition with a score of 565. It made me relook how I manage my [own] expectations and have more trust in my ability.”
Read More…