Singapore's water polo team reclaims SEA Games gold after beating Cambodia

PHNOM PENH: It wasn't a victory just for the 13 players in the Singapore men's water polo team. This triumph was for every single one of their supporters.

And it was fitting that on Tuesday (May 16), the team reclaimed its Southeast Asian (SEA) Games crown in front of friends and family at the National Olympic Stadium Swimming Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

There were jubilant scenes after Singapore's 22-14 victory over host nation Cambodia in their final round-robin match. Loved ones snapped photos with the players, and some such as Paul Tan's four-year-old son Liam, even got to join his father in the pool.

"The most important supporters are our families," said head coach Kan Aoyagi.

"I don't know about the rest, but for me, every time before we start the game and we line up by the pool, I'm always searching to see my dad (in the stands)," added captain Lee Kai Yang.

"(The support from loved ones) gives you that special fire from within to really push beyond that 100 per cent."

The men's water polo team finished top of their group, with five wins from as many games.

Singapore began its campaign with a 12-7 victory over Thailand followed by a 14-1 hammering of Malaysia. Singapore then beat defending champions Indonesia 12-5 and emerged victorious over the Philippines 10-4 on Monday.

The last time the sport featured at the SEA Games was in 2019. Singapore finished with a bronze after two wins, a draw and a 7-5 defeat at the hands of Indonesia. Prior to that loss, the team were Games champions 27 consecutive times.

Water polo was omitted from the last edition of the Games in Hanoi.

"It really took a community effort (to reclaim the title). It really took collaboration between all the team members, all our families have become so close, everyone needs to make the sacrifice," said Lee.

"I always say this, that the sacrifice is greatest not from the players but from the family members. Because it's not their dream, but they are the ones that say: 'Go ahead, go chase it'. And we'll be there supporting you all the way."