Yu Mengyu Calls It Quits After 16‑Year Tenure
For more than a decade, Singapore’s table‑tennis icon Yu Mengyu has been smashing the competition circuit, bagging medals at the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Now, at 32, she’s stepped away from the table to start a brand‑new chapter.
Retirement Announcement
Yu revealed her decision at the Singapore Table Tennis Association’s Annual Awards Night on March 22, marking the end of her illustrious international run — her last event was the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. In a heart‑warming performance, she battled through an injury in the semi‑final against China’s Chen Meng, only to fall to Japan’s Mima Ito in the bronze‑medal match.
What Comes Next?
She won’t vanish from the sport entirely. Yu has taken on a coaching role with the STTA junior squad, mentoring high‑potential players aged nine to twelve. “I want to hand over the gloves to the next generation,” she mused, adding, “Retirement feels right because you know your future is in shaping kids who will one day carry our flag.”
Half‑Life of a Champion
- Born in Liaoning, China, Yu picked up a paddle at age 5 and later joined the provincial team.
- Her talent caught the eye of STTA coach Chen Yong, who convinced her to come to Singapore at 17.
- She first represented Singapore in 2006, gaining citizenship in 2007.
- 2010 saw her part of the world‑champion squad that stunned China 3‑1.
- Despite multiple injuries — spinal woes in 2014, a shoulder labrum tear in 2016, and a recent back flare‑up that left her wheelchair‑bound — Yu kept fighting.
Highlights from the Awards Night
Alongside Yu’s retirement, key figures were honored:
- Olympian Clarence Chew received the Special Award for Seniors.
- Men’s coach Gao Ning was publicly lauded.
- Youth player Izaac Quek, world No. 1 among Under‑15 boys, snagged Youth Player of the Year.
Izaac, a bright 15‑year‑old, shared his excitement: “Competing overseas sharpened my skills and taught me what I still need to work on. I’m targeting the Commonwealth and Asian Games this year.”
Goodbye to the Table?
“Looking back at the past 16 years, I’ve had touching moments and proud honours,” Yu reflected. “Now I’m ready to turn the page and watch the next wave of champions rise.” With her coaching licence and indomitable spirit, her legacy will live on in Singapore’s future stars.
Surfing the Sweet Taste of Victory
Meet Ser Lin Qian, the 15‑year‑old whirlwind who snagged Singapore’s first-ever bronze at last year’s International Table Tennis Federation World Youth Championships. She’s now bagging the Special Award (Junior Category) — talk about a trophy rack to brag about!
Why the Award Sizzles
Lin says the medal is the ultimate fuel for more training. “It’s the little push that keeps me locked in practice mode,” she shares. She also takes a bow for her mentor, Yu, who warmed her heart during a back‑injury episode.
- Yu was her go‑to life coach – “She gave me a back‑healing playbook and a hug,” Lin recalls.
- She’s one of the local legends she’s sitting beside, not just watching from the sidelines.
- Learning from Yu has become Lin’s “train hard, learn harder” mantra.
Clipping a Snapshot
Check out the moment that made her day (and supplies an Instagram highlight there!).
Yu Gets a Big Check
During the 2010 world championships, Yu’s role proved priceless, earning her a $29,752.96 cheque. The Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) raised this amount because major Games awards aren’t part of the National Olympic Council’s incentive plan. The funds hit her retirement bouquet, a sweet end of a bright career.
Cheers from the Top
STTA president Ellen Lee saluted the athletes and coaches. “Tonight, we rewarded those who dared to push past the pandemic’s limits,” she said. “They’ve come a long way, and we’re immensely proud!”
Wasn’t that a night?
STTA Award recipients
Table Tennis Awards Celebration
Star Player of the Year — Yu Mengyu
Yu’s game is so hot that even the paddles are sweating—just kidding, but seriously, he’s been smashing the competition all year.
Youth Player of the Year — Izaac Quek
Izaac’s got the speed, the skill, and that playful grin that says, “I’m here to win, but also to have a good time!”
Coach of the Year — Hao Anlin
Coach Hao’s secret recipe? A pinch of discipline, a dash of encouragement, and a whole lot of creativity. The players swear they’re learning more than just shuttle skills.
Special Awards (Senior Category)
- Gao Ning – For mastering the art of staying competitive at the senior level.
- Clarence Chew – For bringing veteran vibes shaped with youthful spark.
Special Awards (Junior Category)
- Ser Lin Qian – Winning hands, winning hearts!
Outstanding Zone Training Centre Award
- Zhao Peng & Liu Peng (Toa Payoh Zone Training Centre) – Building champions one drill at a time.
And if you heard the news about Loh Kean Yew becoming Singapore’s first badminton world champion, that’s yet another reason why sports just keeps getting better.
This piece was originally published by The Straits Times. For reprinting, you just need a little permission.
