World champion given a rare honour

4th November, Singapore: 2008 AMF World Cup champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan has been given the rare honour of being the flag bearer for the Singapore contingent when they parade during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou at the Haixinsha Island in the Pearl River on November 12. Jasmine received the flag during the Asian Games flag presentation ceremony held yesterday graced by Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Singapore Asian Games chef-de-mission Low Teo Ping.

Jasmine Yeong-Nathan, the first-ever Singapore women to reach the stepladder finals, demolished the then defending champion, Ann-Maree Putney of Australia, 263-222 in the first match.

The 22-year-old almost recorded another perfect game when she trashed the Australian, 298-215 in the second match to become the first-ever Singaporean to capture the prestigious AMF World Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico in 2008.   On her return to Singapore after the historical victory, Jasmine was given a hero's welcome at Changi Airport surrounded by journalists, team-mates, parents and well-wishers. And to cap it off, Jasmine awarded the SNOC/SSC Sportswomen of the Year 2009 for her achievement.

It was fitting that this honour was bestowed to national bowler, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan. During the simple ceremony, sailor Roy Tan took the athlete pledge for glory for the Singapore contingent.

Jasmine, a debutant for the Asiad will be joined by four other first-timers, Jazreel Tan, New Hui Fen, Geraldine Ng and Shayna Ng together with Cherie Tan, who is making her second appearance after the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

Detailed information: Tentative Schedule. Photos by SingaporeBowling.