Yeo Jia Min progresses to knockout stages at Paris Olympics, first Singaporean to do so since 2012

Yeo Jia Min made history on Tuesday (Jul 30) by becoming the first Singaporean badminton player in over ten years to reach the knockout stages at the Olympic Games.

At the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, the world number 20 player quickly defeated Kate Foo Kune from Mauritius, who is ranked 93rd in the world, with scores of 21-12 and 21-6 in just 26 minutes.

"I'm very honored to represent Singapore at this big event, and I will keep giving my best," she told reporters.

This was the 25-year-old's second win at the Paris Olympics after she easily beat Dorsa Yavarivafa of the Refugee Olympic team on Saturday. Both victories made her the top player in her group.

This is Yeo's second time at the Olympics. She was knocked out in the group stages in Tokyo three years ago.

"Every day is a blessing. I was injured before this, so I'm grateful for the chance to play and grow as a person. This journey has been very valuable," she said. "I will cherish every moment and I'm happy that this time I'm able to do better than last time."

Next, Yeo will likely face Japan's world number 10 Aya Ohori, an opponent she has never beaten.

"Anything can happen," said Yeo. "I just hope to play freely and give my best with no regrets."