Top 10 Most Popular Sports in the Singapore
Last Updated :
20 Mar, 2024
The Top 10 Popular Sports in Singapore are soccer, baseball, golf, badminton, cricket, basketball, cycling, volleyball, sailing, and rugby. The people of this country engage in various sporting activities ranging from football to swimming among others. Sports are the foundation of healthy community building as they unite people for a common purpose. Singaporeans compete in these sports both recreationally and competitively. Many public residential communities have swimming pools, outdoor spaces, and indoor sports centres with badminton, table tennis, and squash courts, among other things.
Sports in Singapore are a rich mix of cultural, recreational, and competitive activities. Sports play an important role in a sense of community and promoting healthy lifestyles. Sports reach every aspect of society owing to strong infrastructure and government initiatives. Beyond physical wellness, sports in Singapore promote social unity, national pride, and the pursuit of greatness locally and internationally. In this article, we will read about the most popular sports played in the country.
List of Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Singapore
The list of the top ten most popular sports in Singapore is given in the following table along with the number of the players.
|
Sports Name
|
Number of Players
|
|
Soccer
|
50000
|
|
Baseball
|
5000
|
|
Golf
|
20000
|
|
Badminton
|
10000
|
|
Cricket
|
10000
|
|
Basketball
|
60000
|
|
Cycling
|
20000
|
|
Volleyball
|
30000
|
|
Sailing
|
15000
|
|
Rugby
|
12000
|
Tenth Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Rugby
Rugby was first introduced in Singapore in the 1880s. The most well-known rugby player in Singapore is Daniel Marc Chow. The estimated number of players in Singapore is 12,000.
- Rugby has a long tradition in Singapore originated in the colonial era.
- The physically hard and high-impact activity is played by people of all ages and ability levels.
- The Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) works for the growth and promotion of Rugby in Singapore. It arranges local leagues and international competitions such as the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens.
- Daniel Marc Chow is a well-known Singaporean rugby player. He has had a huge impact on the sport.
- With a variety of competitive and recreational rugby tournaments, the sport’s popularity continues to rise.
Ninth Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Sailing
Sailing was introduced in Singapore at the beginning of the 1900s. The most famous sailor in Singapore is Tan Wearn Haw. The estimated number of sailing enthusiasts in Singapore is 15,000.
- Sailing has a special place in Singapore, because of its strategic location that offers great sailing conditions.
- Singapore’s sailing scene has important regattas including the Singapore Straits Regatta and the RSYC Regatta, which attrattracting foreign sailors.
- Tan Wearn Haw, a renowned sailor, has represented Singapore in some international contests, including the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- The Singapore Sailing Federation is important for developing future sailors.
Eighth Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Volleyball
Volleyball was introduced in Singapore at the beginning of the 1900s. The most famous Singaporean player is Kate Poon.
- The estimated number of players in Singapore is 30,000.
- Volleyball is a popular sport in Singapore, with players competing in competitive contests. The sport’s combination of talent, strategy, and collaboration makes it an exciting game to watch and play.
- The Volleyball Association of Singapore (VAS) promotes the sport throughout the country by hosting events and tournaments.
- Kate Poon is a nationally recognized player. He has made an impact on the local volleyball scene and serves as a role model for aspiring athletes.
- Volleyball matches are routinely held at schools, clubs, and community organizations, demonstrating the sport’s great appeal in the Lion City.
- Some well-known Singaporean Volleyball players are Chua Hong Yao Kelvin, Fu Hao Rong, Lee Teck Kai Edwin, Cheah Wei Jie Avan, Ryan Tan Sing Kai, Jordan Wong, Chew Ming Feng.
Seventh Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Cycling
Cycling was introduced in Singapore in the late 1800s. Singapore’s most famous cyclist is Ang Kee Meng. The estimated number of cycling enthusiasts in Singapore is 200,000.
- Cycling is a popular activity in Singapore, with enthusiasts participating in both leisure and competition. Many people enjoy riding because of the beautiful cityscape and large park links.
- The Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) organizes several races and events to promote competitive cycling in the country. Local cyclist Ang Kee Meng has represented Singapore in international contests, motivating others to follow in his footsteps.
- Cycling events such as the OCBC Cycle Singapore continue to attract participants and fans, demonstrating the sport’s importance in the country. As cycling grows in popularity, Singapore is positioning itself as a haven for both casual and competitive riders.
Sixth Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Basketball
Basketball was introduced in Singapore at the beginning of the 1900s. Singapore’s most famous player is Wong Wei Long. The estimated number of basketball players in Singapore is 60,000.
- Locally, the Singapore Basketball League (SBL) provides fans with an exciting atmosphere.
- Schools and clubs also have competitive basketball teams, which contributes to the sport’s popularity.
- Wong Wei Long, a well-known Singaporean basketball player, serves as an inspiration to young sportsmen.
- Some famous basketball players of Singapore are Shi Yang Ng, Sikander Nielsen, Wei Jie Desmond Oh, Chin Hong Tan, Wei Long Wong, Qing Huang Toh, John Jing Lun Ng, Shengyu Lim, Leon Wei Meng Kwek.
Fifth Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Cricket
Cricket was introduced in 1837 in Singapore. Singapore’s most famous cricket player is Navin Param. The estimated number of cricket player in Singapore is 10,000.
- Cricket has a strong following among both immigrant and local groups in Singapore.
- The Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) looks after the domestic leagues and tournaments and also marketing the sport to a larger audience.
- Cricket fans in Singapore closely watch international competitions such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup.
- Some famous cricket players of Singapore are Amjad Mahboob, Vinoth Baskaran, Surendran Chandramohan, Tim David, Janak Prakash, Anantha Krishna, Manpreet Singh, Anish Paraam.
Fourth Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Badminton
Badminton was introduced in Singapore at the beginning of the 1900s. Li Li is the most well-known badminton player in Singapore. The estimated number of players in Singapore is 100,000.
- Badminton is a popular sport in Singapore because it is fast-paced and thrilling. From social gatherings to competitive events, badminton has a unique place Singapore.
- The Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) is in charge of organizing local competitions and developing the sport. It hosts a variety of domestic and international competitions, including the Singapore Open and the Age-Group Championships.
- Li Li, a Singaporean player, has a huge influence in badminton by winning the women’s singles gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
- With a rich tradition and enthusiastic players, badminton continues to grow in Singapore, propelling the country’s athletic landscape to new heights.
Third Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Golf
Golf was introduced in Singapore in 1891. Mardan Mamat is the most well-known player from Singapore. The estimated number of golf players in Singapore is 20,000.
- Singapore has multiple world-class golf courses, including Sentosa Golf Club and Laguna National Golf and Country Club. These hold competitions such as the Singapore Open and the SMBC Singapore Open.
- Some famous golf players of Singapore are Mardan Mamat, Ryan Ang, Donovan Lee, Sean Lee, Brandon Han, Justin Kuk, Hiroshi Tai, Jen Goh, Inez Ng, Yoko Tai, Hailey Loh, Wong Qi Wen.
Second Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Baseball
Baseball was introduced in Singapore in the 1980s. The most famous baseball player in Singapore is Koh Kah Wei. The estimated number of baseball players in Singapore is 5,000.
- The Singapore Baseball and Softball Association (SBSA) looks after the administration of local baseball contests and promotes the sport across the country.
- Singaporean player Koh Kah Wei has built a reputation for himself in the local baseball community because of his outstanding skill and perseverance.
- International baseball events, such as Major League Baseball (MLB) from the United States, are also popular with Singaporeans.
- Some of the famous baseball players of Singapore are Robin Jennings, Josh Nam, Bart West, Max West.
Most Popular Sport in the Singapore – Soccer
Soccer was introduced in Singapore in 1892. The most famous soccer player in Singapore is Fandi Ahmad. The estimated number of soccer players in the country is 50,000.
- It is a popular sport in Singapore. It attracts supporters from all around the country. Its exciting matches and fans make it an important sport in the country.
- The Singapore Premier League (SPL) is the main local soccer league, with clubs from all over the country.
- Major international tournaments like the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League have huge fanbase in Singapore, demonstrating soccer’s popularity throughout the country.
- Some famous soccer players of Singapore are Fandi Ahmad, Hariss Harun, Adam Swandi, Irfan Fandi, Safuwan Baharudin, Izwan Mahbud, Lionel Lewis, Ikhsan Fandi, Baihakki Khaizan, Hassan Sunny, Gabriel Quak, Noh Alam Shah, Khairul Amri, Shahril Ishak, Shakir Hamzah.
Conclusion
Singapore’s sports environment faces challenges like limited facility space, and intense competition for talent. To overcome these issues, the government invests in innovative urban planning, using available space for sports infrastructure. Talent recognition programs and local activities are strengthened to help athletes develop from a young age. Partnerships with educational institutions encourage a balanced approach to academics and athletics. There is also a priority on expanding sports offerings to engage a broader audience and encourage participation from all groups. Singapore intends to solve these challenges by strategy through planning and community involvement, resulting in a healthy sports culture for all.
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FAQ on Top 10 Most Popular Sports in the Singapore
What is the popular sport in Singapore?
Soccer is the most popular sport in Singapore.
Is Singapore a sporty country?
Singapore is very enthusiastic about sports.
Does Singapore have a Sports Team?
Yes, Singapore has many sports teams, including the national football team, the national basketball team, and Team Singapore.
What does sports Singapore do?
Sport Singapore (SportSG) is an agency of government that works both separately and together with other agencies to engage communities through creative, enjoyable, and meaningful athletic events.
What sports are unique to Singapore?
The unique sports of Singapore are Giant Whack-A-Mole, Neon Laser Tag, Poolball, etc.
How many people play sports in Singapore?
74% of people play sports in Singapore.
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