S'pore para-shooter Daniel Chan debut in Paris Paralympics
SINGAPORE: Daniel Chan etched his name into Singapore’s annals of history prior to launching his initial shot at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, the location of the shooting events at the Paris Games.
Nation’s first para-shooter to compete in the Paralympic Games
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has canceled the quadrennial tournament on August 20, a week after they presented their teams on social media, citing the organizers’ failure to meet host city contract requirements by August 19.
During his national service, Chan first encountered the sport when his unit took part in a competition.
He ceased his studies when he traveled abroad to pursue his interests in another field, Go, also known as Weiqi, a strategic board game for two players.
He currently instructs the game at The Go Academy Singapore and holds a bachelor’s degree in Go from Myongji University in South Korea.
In 2016, his enthusiasm for firearms reinvigorated during the Rio Olympic Games, when swimmer Joseph Schooling was the center of attention due to his gold medal performance.
Chan's Recent Training History and Struggles
Chan has trained six times a week for the past seven years in order to make up for his delayed entry into the discipline.
He was afflicted with Erb’s palsy, a condition that was the consequence of a traumatic birth that damaged the nerves in his left arm and shoulder.
Qualifying for Paris Paralympics
Chan is a recipient of the Sport Excellence Scholarship (spexScholarship), which offers assistance to high-performing athletes in the areas of education, career development, and the cultivation of their athletic potential.
The program’s funding enabled him to attend more international competitions and training programs.
Last year, at the Asian Paralympic Games in Hangzhou, China, he achieved a personal best score and finished fifth, earning a ticket to Paris. This was a delightful surprise for Chan, as he did not anticipate qualifying.
Deanne Pheong, his coach, states that qualifying is already a fantasy come true for both of them.
They desire that Chan adopt a conventional mindset, firing in the same manner as he has practiced, without any additional tension, in anticipation of the games.
Chan will debut on the Paralympic stage in qualifiers on Friday (Aug 30).