Singapore’s 12-year-old sailor Anya Zahedi wins SEA Games silver

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s sailing contingent made waves at the 2025 SEA Games with a remarkable family achievement, as 12-year-old Anya Zahedi emerged as one of the country’s youngest athletes to compete — and medal — at the regional sporting event.

Anya clinched the silver medal in the girls’ Optimist sailing event on 14 December, finishing second out of six competitors.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the young sailor, who was making her debut at a major multi-sport Games while representing Singapore on an international stage.

Before the competition, Anya shared her excitement about the opportunity, describing the SEA Games as both an honour and a learning experience.

“I feel really excited because it’s my first time representing Singapore at a major Games and I want to learn a lot of stuff from this experience,” she said.

Learning from the Region’s Best

Rather than focusing solely on results, Anya said she approached the competition with the goal of learning from the strongest sailors in Southeast Asia.

Competing against more experienced regional athletes, she viewed the SEA Games as a valuable platform to test her skills, gain exposure, and build confidence.

Following her silver medal win, Anya reiterated her appreciation for the experience, highlighting how much she had learned both on and off the water.

Her calm composure and maturity belied her age, drawing praise from observers who noted her ability to perform under pressure despite being one of the youngest competitors in the fleet.

Her performance reflects Singapore’s continued investment in youth sports development, particularly in sailing, where early exposure and international competition are seen as key to nurturing future elite athletes.

Inspired by Family, Competing Together

Anya credited her journey into sailing largely to her elder sister, Nia Zahedi, who has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation.

“I started sailing when I was seven years old. My sister was in the school’s sailing team, and I was very inspired by her,” Anya said.

That inspiration came full circle at the SEA Games, where both sisters represented Singapore in different sailing classes. Nia, aged 16, competed in the girls’ ILCA 4 event and secured a bronze medal, finishing third out of five competitors.

The sisters’ dual podium finishes made their SEA Games campaign particularly special, showcasing not only individual talent but also the role of family support in high-performance sport.

A Promising Future Ahead

With a silver medal already under her belt at just 12 years old, Anya Zahedi’s achievement has sparked excitement about her potential future in competitive sailing.

Her disciplined approach, willingness to learn, and exposure to top-level regional competition suggest a strong foundation for long-term development.

Meanwhile, Nia’s continued success at 16 further underscores the strength of Singapore’s youth sailing pipeline.

Together, the Zahedi sisters’ achievements at the SEA Games stand as a testament to perseverance, early passion, and the impact of mentorship — especially when that inspiration comes from within the family.