CJC Track and Field NSG 2026: A Season of Pride, Purpose and Progress

By Leticia Wan (2T03) and Rachelle Tan (2T05)

For many athletes, the annual National School Games is more than just a competition. It is a rite of passage, marking a defining moment in their sporting journey forged through months of discipline and sacrifice, and a platform to display their love for the sport.

The Track and Field team’s performance at the NSG from 31 March to 17 April was nothing short of impressive, with the team securing thirteen personal bests from individual and team relays. Each race stood as a testament to the athletes’ months of relentless commitment, reflecting the countless hours spent training and tolling, no matter rain or shine.

Finals, 17 April 2026

The stands of Kallang Stadium came alive with anticipation from supporters, while adrenaline coursed through the veins of the runners who had trained hard to make it to the finals – determined, focused, and hungry for victory. 

Stepping onto familiar grounds for his final NSG, Kho Kai Jie shared that the experience was emotionally demanding, and commented that there was quite a lot to cope with.

“[I had to] balance the fact that this was indeed our last ever NSG and also wanting to give my very best for the race, focusing on staying calm and executing my race plan.” 

For many graduating athletes, being their last NSG experience, they were driven by and clung onto the hope of making it a meaningful one.

Earlier in the afternoon, the A Division Boys 4x100m relay delivered an outstanding performance. Zecheriah Koh started the quartet, setting a strong foundation in a bid to kick them off to a steady start. Fuelled by grit and adrenaline, he clocked a personal best of 12.10s in the first 100m. Kho Kai Jie seamlessly took over, maintaining momentum straight before Reagan Tan surged ahead with a powerful third leg. Anchoring the team as the final runner, John Chua sprinted towards the finishing line, driving the quartet to achieve their personal best in a matter of 44.96 seconds. The race was a display of the members’ efforts, with clean baton passes and the shared mentality of putting in their best efforts. It was a triumphant accolade. 

The A Division Girls 4x400m relay also saw CJ representation on the track, with Kelsey Yiu, Kate Lim, Tan Ching Yi, and Mia Teo, stepping up to compete against strong opposition. The quartet finished the race in 5.08.38s, placing ninth overall. Though the results were not what the team had hoped for, the race required intense mental and physical resilience. The girls soldiered on and completed every leg with grace and commitment, exhibiting the values of sportsmanship and fortitude.

As the day’s final 4x400m race approached, the mood shifted to an atmosphere of intensity as everyone was intent on making their last race count. Reagan Tan started the quartet with a steady and composed opening, setting the tone for the race ahead. Shan Titai, Kai Jie, then John powered through in succession and brought the race home in just 03.44.84s. They were a matter of 0.08 seconds from attaining seventh place and the results reflected the quartet’s personal best, speaking volumes about their hard work and unity.

The athletes had given their all, training three times a week to prepare themselves for this challenging season, weathering different obstacles while coping with mounting school work and ongoing Continual Assessments. 

Kai Jie shared candidly, “There were many factors that were tough, like managing fatigue while balancing training, competitions and school. But being a 400m runner and with 400m being infamous as the toughest track event, I would say having the mental grit to show up to training despite knowing how tough the workouts will be and how physically painful it will be was the toughest part, but I had to stay disciplined and keep showing up.” 

Within the crowds, spectators also shared the joy of the athletes. Punyyaah Sahni, a fellow CJCian and Cross Country member, shared that “The guys also beat their PB by one second, I’m really proud to hear [this]. Overall, these types of events really bring the school together. From last year, we have a significantly greater number of supporters, which I feel is the most important thing at the end of the day. It’s not about winning the NSG - While that is good, the memories, especially for the runners, running down the track and hearing their own name being cheered by supporters - it must be a great experience for them.”

In a remarkable display of tenacity and camaraderie, our CJ Track and Field team continues to bring us pride, as the athletes displayed teamwork and embodied camaraderie in rallying behind one another.. This journey in NSG serves as a stark reminder that success is not solely defined by podium finishes and trophies, but by the determination to persevere, the discipline to show up, and the heart to run together as one CJ Track family.

Results

4x100m Relay (Boys) 
(Finals - Eight place)
*New PB 44.96s

4x400m Relay (Girls) 
(Ninth place)
5.08.38s 

4X400m Relay (Boys)
(Eight place) 
*New PB 3.44.84s

John Chua 100m
(Fourth place) 
*New PB 11.20s

John Chua 200m 
(Third place)

Zechariah Koh Jin Kai 100m
(Semi finals)
*New PB 12.10s

Kho Kai Jie 400m
(Semi finals)
*New PB 58.57s

Kho Kai Jie 200m
(Semi finals) 
*New PB 25.36s

Abdur Rhaman 1500m
(Relay)
*New PB 5:00.42s

Yeow Zhengyi (Rao Zhengyi) 3000m Steeplechase
*New PB 12.29.17s

Ethan Woon Sixiang 5000m
*New PB 18:45.91s

Kelsey Elise Cheng Yiu 100m
*New PB 13.43s

Isabella Markel 400m
*New PB

Hazel Chua 100m
*New PB

Kayla Tan 100m
*New PB