SINGAPORE: 2012 was a significant year for Singapore sports, both on the international and home fronts.
Singapore's Olympic double bronze medals at the London Games was the highlight of 2012.
The women's table tennis team delivered the targeted two medals.
But now Singapore wants local-born youngsters to step up.
Intermediate targets have been set for them over the next few years, including winning gold medals at the 2015 SEA Games.
Lee Bee Wah, president of Singapore Table Tennis Association said: "Our ultimate aim is getting them featured in Olympics and getting medals for Singapore. If they are ready, it is 2016, if not latest 2020, we would like to see them play for Singapore... We want them to be able to get medals for Singapore."
In Formula One, the contract was renewed, with the night race to be staged for another five years, till 2017.
After putting Singapore on the global sporting map, industry players feel more can be done to engage the local community.
Marcus Lim, co-founder of Formula Drift Asia suggested: "A CCA (co-curricular activity) programme for F1 throughout the year. Get the students into it from a technical standpoint. The technical student to learn more about the vehicles... There are really a lot of aspects that can be very educational. (For instance), event management, team management, marketing."
On grassroots sports, the Singapore National Games was launched - part of Vision 2030 - to make sports a part of everyday life.
The inaugural event saw more than 5,000 athletes of all ages and races, compete in 10 sports.
The Singapore Sports Council is looking to stage the next run at the Sports Hub, which should be ready by March 2014.
That would also allow it to be used as a test event for the 2015 SEA Games, which Singapore is hosting.
Singapore also made a return to the Malaysia Cup competition after 17 years, with the LionsXII finishing a credible second in the league.
But the year ended on a high, with Singapore being crowned ASEAN champs for a record fourth time, by winning the AFF Suzuki Cup competition - a fitting finale for coach Raddy Avramovic who was in-charge for the last time.
- CNA/xq
Highlights of S'pore sports in 2012
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Highlights of S'pore sports in 2012
