Shanti Pereira, Maximilian Maeder win top honours at Singapore Sports Awards

SINGAPORE: Sprinter Shanti Pereira and kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder were among the winners at the annual Singapore Sports Awards on Monday (Jun 3).

At the ceremony held at Orchard Hotel Singapore, sprint queen Pereira took home the Sportswoman of the Year title, while back-to-back world champion Maeder won the Sportsboy of the Year.

While this is Pereira’s first time winning the award, Maeder has now taken his title three consecutive times.

Organised by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) as well as Sport Singapore, and supported by the Tote Board, Singapore Sports Awards recognise the most deserving individuals and teams in sports for 2023.

In her speech, SNOC president Grace Fu singled out Pereira and Maeder for their “exceptional achievements”. 

“Shanti Pereira’s feats at the Asian Games silenced the nation. Her relentless pursuit of excellence brought her immense success on the track ... She showed us that with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” said Ms Fu, who is also Minister for Sustainability and the Environment.     

“Max Maeder’s triumph in kitefoiling has been nothing short of spectacular … His achievements highlight his talent and sacrifices, and Max has set new benchmarks for Singapore sport.”

Other nominees for the Sportsboy of the Year award were swimmer Nicholas Mahabir, table tennis player Izaac Quek, fencer Samuel Robson and bowler Aiman Lim.

Wushu exponent Zeanne Law clinched the Sportsgirl of the Year title. 

Maeder will be one of the medal contenders at the upcoming Olympics where kitefoiling will make its Games debut in Marseille.

Last month, he successfully defended his kitefoiling world title after winning the men's event at the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships.

The win meant