Photo Credit: SportPlus
Team Singapore Dragon Boat Athlete Lim Xin Yi on Resilience, Community and the Dragon Boat Sprint at The Kallang
For The Kallang, water sports represent more than competition — they embody community, resilience, and national pride.
As Singapore prepares for the upcoming Dragon Boat Sprint at The Kallang, Team Singapore dragon boat athlete Lim Xin Yi shares her inspiring journey from university beginner to national paddler.
Her story reflects the spirit of dragon boating in Singapore: a sport built on teamwork, determination and the powerful rhythm of paddles striking water in unison.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Discovering Dragon Boat in University
Xin Yi first discovered dragon boating almost by accident. At 25, she has now spent six years in the sport — but before university, sports had never played a major role in her life.
While studying at the National University of Singapore, she decided to try something new and joined the NUS Women’s Varsity Dragon Boat team in 2020.
“I had never really done sports before,” she recalls. “I just wanted to try something different, and dragon boat didn’t have trials. I signed up, and it turned out that I really enjoyed it.”
That spontaneous decision marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead her to represent Singapore on the international stage.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Defining Moments in Six Years of Dragon Boating
One of the earliest defining moments for Xin Yi came during her time in the NUS team, when she helped lead the squad as vice-captain during the pandemic.
Their first full boat race together was the prestigious Prime Minister’s Cup Dragon Boat Race — a major event in Singapore’s dragon boat calendar, especially for tertiary teams.
“It was really tough rallying everyone together after such a difficult period,” she says. “But the teammates and captain had made the experience incredibly memorable.”
Another major milestone arrived when she competed in her first Southeast Asian Games.
Representing Singapore at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games was both an honour and a challenge. Like many national athletes, Xin Yi and her teammates balanced full-time jobs while maintaining an intense training schedule — up to 11 sessions a week.
“Even though we didn’t medal, we were proud that we raced with no regrets and gave everything we had.”
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Transitioning to Team Singapore
Moving from university competition to the national squad brought new pressures.
While the training load was demanding, Xin Yi says the greater challenge was the responsibility that came with representing Singapore.
“Competing internationally is very different from representing your school,” she explains. “You’re standing on the start line with athletes from other countries, carrying the Singapore flag with you.”
At the same time, she was navigating a full-time career — something many national athletes must juggle alongside their training.
“The pressure of work and national team training was challenging, but having teammates going through the same journey made it easier.”
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A Mother’s Support That Still Inspires
Behind Xin Yi’s dragon boat journey was one of her biggest supporters: her mom.
Although she rarely expressed it verbally, Xin Yi says her mother showed her pride through actions — travelling across Singapore just to watch a small race or buying sports gear to support her training.
“She would travel from Tampines all the way to Jurong Lake Gardens to watch my races,” Xin Yi remembers. “Knowing she was behind me gave me the confidence to embrace the journey.”
Even today, she carries that motivation with her.
“During tough training sessions, I still think about her and hope she would be proud of me.”
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Competing Through Injury at the SEA Games
Resilience became a defining theme of Xin Yi’s career when she competed at the 2025 SEA Games while managing a serious ACL and meniscus injury.
Physically, she was able to manage the training load through careful rehabilitation, recovery and disciplined routines. Mentally, however, the challenge was far greater.
“I knew I wouldn’t be at 100%, but I still wanted to prove to myself and my teammates that I deserved my place in the boat.”
Her determination to continue pushing through adversity reflects the mental toughness required at the highest levels of sport.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Recovery and Staying Connected to the Sport
Following surgery earlier this year, Xin Yi is currently focused on rehabilitation before returning to the water.
Even though she cannot paddle for now, she remains closely connected to the team and the sport that has shaped her life.
For elite athletes, the recovery journey can be just as demanding as competition itself — but Xin Yi remains focused on her long-term goals.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
The Growth of Dragon Boat in Singapore
From grassroots paddlers to elite national athletes, dragon boating has grown significantly in Singapore over the past decade.
Xin Yi points out that one of the sport’s most special qualities is its accessibility.
“Dragon boat welcomes people from all walks of life,” she says. “You have students, corporate teams, community sports networks and even clubs that support persons with disabilities through adapted equipment.”
That inclusive culture has helped make dragon boating one of Singapore’s most vibrant water sports communities.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
The Importance of Training Facilities at The Kallang
For athletes preparing for international competitions, world-class facilities play a vital role.
Xin Yi spends much of her week training at The Kallang, which serves as a central hub for Singapore’s sporting community.
“I’m here almost every day — training, eating and spending time with my teammates,” she says. “Sometimes we take these facilities for granted, but without the boats and the venue, we wouldn’t even be able to train for events like the SEA Games.”
Venues like The Kallang support not just elite athletes, but also the wider sporting ecosystem that makes Singapore’s water sports scene thrive.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
A Sport Anyone Can Try
Many people assume dragon boat racing is only for elite athletes — but Xin Yi believes the opposite.
“When I first started, I could barely run 2.4 kilometres,” she laughs. “Everyone starts somewhere.”
The sport welcomes beginners regardless of fitness level, age or background. All that’s needed is a willingness to learn and the courage to try something new.
For those curious about dragon boating, Xin Yi offers simple advice:
“Just take the first step. That’s what I did — and six years later, I’m still here.”
Looking Ahead to the 2029 SEA Games
Xin Yi’s long-term goal is to return stronger and compete at the 2029 Southeast Asian Games, which Singapore is set to host.
But before that, the national team must perform well in upcoming competitions for dragon boating to remain part of the SEA Games programme.
“If dragon boat is selected for 2029, we’ll definitely be aiming for gold,” she says. “Competing on home ground with our families and friends watching would be something really special.”
For Xin Yi, the meaning of representing Singapore in dragon boating comes down to one powerful idea:
Carrying the nation’s colours on the water, surrounded by teammates who share the same determination, pride and purpose.
The Dragon Boat Sprint at The Kallang
The upcoming Dragon Boat Sprint at The Kallang promises to bring the excitement of dragon boat racing directly to spectators.
According to Xin Yi, one of the event’s most thrilling elements is the unique atmosphere of night racing against Singapore’s skyline.
“It’s one of the few races where you get to paddle with the city skyline around you — similar to the energy you feel during Formula 1,” she says.
For spectators, the rhythmic beating of drums, cheering crowds and explosive speed of sprint racing create an electrifying experience.
But the real magic happens when people step into the boat themselves.
“You can’t truly understand how exciting dragon boat is until you try it.”
Dragon Boat Sprint @ The Kallang is happening on 22-24 May 2026. Happening at the Water Sports Centre, join us as the Kallang Waterfront transforms into a full-on race and festival village, with exhilarating races, fringe activities and tryouts for both dragon boat and kayaking. More information here.
