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Overcoming Challenges Through Grit And Determination

Lessons from the Champions – Jazreel Tan Shi Hua and Nur ‘Aqilah Afiqah Andin Agustino Saman


One faced the challenges of a recurring injury while the other had to start from ground zero to get back to competitive form after starting a family. These big challenges did not deter the heart and mind from getting the body ready for competition as our alumni Jazreel Tan Shi Hua from Bowling and Nur ‘Aqilah Afiqah Andin Agustino Saman from Netball shared with our student-athletes how they overcame their obstacles during Lessons from the Champions on 1 April 2024.

After 21 years with the Bowling National Team, former national captain Jazreel Tan finally called it a day in January 2024. Jazreel was Singapore’s youngest national champion at 14 years old and represented the nation in multiple major games, winning accolades after accolades.

Jazreel shared that in recent years, she faced a dry spell and was facing health issues. It got to a point where she was feeling depressed and contemplated quitting the sport multiple times. She has learnt to manage her challenges and even though she stepped down from the national team, she still has the alleys close to her heart as she is now working as a programme manager and organiser at Sonic Bowl.

With 101 caps to her name, retired Vice-Captain in Team Singapore’s Netball team, Nur ‘Aqilah represented the nation for the past 12 years. The SEA Games medallist overcame various adversities and injuries to be on the court with her teammates. One major hurdle she had to overcome was balancing motherhood after giving birth two years ago, training, and other new routines she had in her life.

‘Aqilah shared that she had to dig deep and put in the effort all over again to get back into competing with the national team. She had to push her body and juggle responsibilities as a mother while chasing her dream of getting 100 caps. While it was not easy, the support from her teammates and family spurred her on and she eventually retired after her last victorious game in February 2024 against Malaysia with 101 caps.

Even though these legends have called time on their playing careers, their grit and determination as athletes serve as a stellar example for our young student-athletes to follow.

We wish both Jazreel and ‘Aqilah all the best for their future endeavours.