Singapore lawn bowler Serena Tiong will be part of a 53-strong contingent competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland. Tiong, who will participate in the women’s singles event, is one of four national lawn bowlers representing Singapore at the Games.

Tiong, 38, took up lawn bowls in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic while looking for alternatives after floorball activities were paused due to safe management measures. A former national floorball player, referee, and coach, she was drawn to lawn bowls for its low-impact nature and strategic depth, allowing her to continue competing even through the later stages of her second pregnancy in 2023. “It keeps your mind active,” she said of the sport, highlighting its tactical challenges and ability to be played in various formats, including singles, pairs, triples, and fours.

Under the guidance of Bernard Foo, a veteran coach who has been involved with the national lawn bowls team for over 30 years, Tiong advanced quickly in the sport. Foo, who began coaching her after she started in 2021 and supported her at her first international competition in 2022 at the Japan International Open, described their relationship as close and nurturing. During the World Bowls Indoor Championships held in Victoria, Australia from May 11 to 16, Foo took extra care to ensure Tiong was well-nourished and rested, personally preparing hard-boiled eggs for her each day. Tiong, touched by the coach’s support, described him as “like a father” and credited him with helping her develop confidence in the sport.

At the World Championships, Tiong placed third in her section, winning four of six matches and notably defeating Australia’s former world No. 1, Kelsey Cottrell. Although she narrowly missed advancing to the quarterfinals, the performance marked a significant milestone just five years into her bowls career.

Tiong, who is the oldest player on the national lawn bowls team at the Commonwealth Games, aims to reach the second round and sees this as a stepping stone toward future success. She acknowledged the high level of competition but remained optimistic. “Going to the Commonwealth Games after only five years (in the sport) is very, very rare,” she said, adding that bringing home a medal would be ideal though challenging.

With lawn bowls often perceived as a sport for older athletes, Tiong noted a growing presence of younger players in the national squad in their 20s and 30s, suggesting a shift in the sport’s profile. She emphasized the physical demands of competing in multiple games over consecutive days, underscoring the fitness required alongside tactical skill.

Tiong’s journey highlights a notable transition from floorball to lawn bowls, driven by a continued desire to represent her country at the highest levels of sport. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will mark her debut on this prominent international stage.