Tchoukball Association of Singapore seeking national sports association status, hopes to get funding to maintain world rankings

The Tchoukball Association of Singapore (TBAS) is seeking to be recognised as a National Sports Association (NSA), which will allow it to apply for Government funding from Sport Singapore (SportSG). 

The financial support will “go a long way” to help its athletes to continue performing at a high level. 

The push for the NSA status was announced by TBAS president Mr Delane Lim at the association’s inaugural celebratory dinner on Monday (Mar 20).

“Tchoukball has done well for itself as a niche sport. But now that we are at the top of the world rankings, access to NSA funding could go a long way to help our athletes continue performing at a high level.

“Through our recent results and honour we have brought to the nation, we believe we have earned our right to sit alongside other mainstream sports as one of Singapore’s recognised NSAs,” shared Mr Lim. 

The Singapore Tchoukball women’s team is currently ranked first in the world, while the men’s is ranked third, according to the International Tchoukball Federation (FITB).

Mr Lim added that the NSA status will help the organisation overcome difficulties such as limited funding, as the association can only afford to subsidise athletes during overseas competitions. 

“Players fund part of the cost when they compete in overseas competitions, often having to take their own leave to compete for Singapore. Our coaches are basically volunteers who offer their guidance and expertise pro-bono. 

“It is time we recognise the tremendous sacrifices they have made for Singapore sport and fund their continued involvement in the sport,” said Mr Lim. 

If approved, Government funding will form the majority of TBAS’ annual budget. The association will try to generate more revenue by manufacturing tchoukballs, by working with local sport and outdoor brand Next Factor. 

Next Factor will be the official distributor and provide equipment for Tchoukball enthusiasts in Singapore and the region. 

While waiting for the approval of its NSA application, TBAS can also look forward to increased support from the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and SportSG, especially in its preparation for the Tchoukball world championships that will be held at Prague, Czech Republic in August. 

This was announced by the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Mr Edwin Tong, who was the guest of honour at the celebratory dinner.

Additionally, the Singapore Sport Institute will provide athletes with gym facilities and access to sport science. 

SportSG will also facilitate TBAS’ application for the Temasek Inspired Fund, which was developed to encourage more Singaporeans to pursue a competitive sport.

Mr Lim also expressed his gratitude from the overwhelming support received from sponsorship deals from various corporate companies and donation efforts made by the local community.  

This includes companies such as Mr Bean, I-Vegan restaurant, Experience New Asia travel agency, real estate company SuperCandy, design consultancy Afternaut and pest control firm Pestimesh have all contributed to tchoukball’s cause. 

Aside from such companies, the Ang Mo Kio Constituency Merchant Association led Ang Mo Kio’s heartland merchants to contribute and raise $13,000 in less than 48 hours.

Former local athletes such as bowler Lenny Lim and badminton Olympian Ronald Susilo also started a crowdfunding campaign through Ray of Hope to raise awareness on tchoukball. Other athletes who have pledged their support for the campaign include Olympic champion Joseph Schooling. 

“Their dedication to the sport has contributed to the successes we have today. Almost everything we have, including today’s dinner, is solely down to donations and sacrifices made by our community,” said Mr Lim. 

The campaign aims to raise $150,000 to cover travel and accommodation costs in Prague as well as to fund the association’s high-performance programme. It has managed to raise over $18,000 so far.

“We are truly blessed to have so many strong supporters in the tchoukball community,” he added.