Pencil in some of the biggest sporting games be held in the region
2016 is primed and ready to be the year of games thanks to a number of top-notch sporting events planned for the year. With Rio as host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, here are a number of other complementart sporting events set to take place in our own backyard.
Shuttlers do battle: Malaysian Masters Grand Prix Gold
The Pearl of the Orient hosts some of the best badminton players in the world from 19-24 January. The best shuttlers will converge in Penang for the 2016 Malaysian Masters Grand Prix Gold, regarded as one of the biggest badminton tourneys held at the beginning of each year. With over USD 100,000 up for grabs and the opportunity to move up the Badminton World Federation rankings, the event is a magnet for top badminton players. This year’s event will see the participation of top-ranked Malaysian player and crowd favourite Lee Chong Wei who will be gunning for the win to give a shot at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Rock, Rumble and Roll: Singapore Rugby Sevens
Fresh off the Rugby World Cup, the treat continues for fans in the epic action on the pitch courtesy of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. Scheduled to be held at the Singapore National Stadium on 16 and 17 April 2016, the event is geared to produce heart-stopping action with 16 of the world’s top Rugby Sevens powerhouses. From the flamboyant Fijians to the exciting Aussies, the irrepressible New Zealanders to the South African Blitzboks, international teams are set to do battle in Singapore under the world’s largest free-spanning dome of the iconic National Stadium.
Sun, Sea, Surf: Asian Beach Games, Vietnam
Held every two years, the Asian Beach Games is a multi-sport event spanning beach and water sports disciplines. Ever since the first games was held in 2008 in Bali, Indonesia, the Asian Beach Games features popular beach sports such as beach volleyball and beach football, beach running, as well as water sports like swimming, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing and dragon boat racing, to the tune of summer-beat music, spectator-friendly announcements and a general party atmosphere. Nha Trang, Vietnam is set to be the host nation for the 2016 edition, held from 24 September to 3 October 2016.
Serve, Smash & Volley: Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals Singapore
The season-long build-up to the WTA Finals will culminate once again in Singapore for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global from October 23 to November 1 2016. The tennis tourney has consistently ranked as one of the top sporting events in Singapore; 2015 alone having attracted 130, 000 fans throughout the 10-day event. That number is expected to surpass in 2016, as the world’s best female tennis players descend upon Lion City to wage on-court battles. Top-ranked tennis players will vie for honours in singles and doubles, as well as legends categories along with the fan-favourite rising stars invitational.
