Olympics: Paddlers share success in victory parade

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Olympic double—bronze winning table tennis team brought the party to the streets on Saturday with a victory parade.

The event was flagged off at the Singapore Table Tennis Association Headquarters in Toa Payoh.

Riding an open—top bus, Feng Tianwei and company made pit stops at Blk 846, Yishun Ring Road and Jurong Point to meet and greet fans as well as to receive congratulatory wishes from supporters.

They then drove through Orchard Road before ending at Tampines West Community Club.

Feng is the winner of the women’s singles bronze medal, Singapore’s first individual Olympic medal in 52 years. Feng, Li Jiawei and Wang Yuegu clinched the second bronze medal for Singapore in the women’s team competition.

The paddlers were won over by the show of support.

Feng said: "I feel happy to see so many supporters. There were more fans than we expected. I felt excited. And as I said on Friday, it was touching to see so many people and there were many supporters present today too.

She added: "I hope our achievement will drive table tennis and other sports in Singapore and also encourage people to love sports more."

Over in London, Chef de Mission for Team Singapore at the Games, Jessie Phua said Singapore athletes have outdone themselves at the London Olympics.

She said the dedication and fighting spirit that the athletes have shown has been an inspiration for all Singaporeans.

— CNA/fa/ir