Singapore's Shanti Pereira Fastest Qualifier for Asian Games 100m final 'I'm ready to race'

Singapore sprint queen Shanti Pereira has qualified fastest for the women's 100m final at the Asian Games, winning her heat in 11.15 seconds and signalling she is in peak form for the medal race.

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Singapore's Shanti Pereira is through to the Asian Games women's 100m final, and she is through in style. The 30-year-old sprint queen won her heat on Friday, September 25, in a blistering 11.15 seconds the fastest qualifying time across all three heats. Pereira, who won Singapore's first athletics gold medal in 49 years at the 2023 Asian Championships, looked composed and controlled as she crossed the line well clear of her rivals. She eased down in the final metres, suggesting there is more in the tank for the final.

"I feel good. The plan was to execute a clean race, get through to the final and give myself the best chance. I'm ready to race," Pereira said after her heat.

A Season of Strong Form

Pereira's 2026 season has been her most consistent yet. Earlier this year, she clocked a personal best of 11.02 seconds at a meet in Europe, becoming the first Singaporean woman to break the 11.10-second barrier. She followed that up with strong performances on the Diamond League circuit, establishing herself as one of Asia's premier sprinters. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Pereira finished fourth in the 100m final, narrowly missing the podium. She also won silver in the 200m. This time, she arrives with more experience and better form.

"I've been working on my start and my top-end speed. I know what it takes to make the podium at this level, and I believe I can do it," she said.

The Final Field

Pereira will face strong competition in the final. China's Ge Manqi, the 2023 Asian Games champion, qualified second fastest with 11.22 seconds. Japan's Mei Kodama was third quickest in 11.28 seconds. Other qualifiers include Kazakhstan's Olga Safronova, India's Dutee Chand, and Bahrain's Edidiong Odiong. The final is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at 8:15pm local time.

A National Hope

Pereira carries the hopes of Singapore on her shoulders. The country has invested heavily in athletics in recent years, and Pereira's success has inspired a new generation of Singaporean sprinters. Her journey from a promising junior to a continental contender has been closely followed by fans back home.

"Shanti is a role model for all Singaporean athletes. She shows what is possible with hard work and belief. We are all behind her for the final, “said a Singapore Athletics spokesperson.

Here is the question this race raises. Shanti Pereira has qualified fastest for the Asian Games 100m final and is in the form of her life. When a Singaporean sprinter who finished fourth three years ago returns as the fastest qualifier, can she deliver the nation's first Asian Games 100m gold or will the pressure of expectation prove to be the toughest opponent?

FAQ:

Q: What time did Shanti Pereira run in the Asian Games 100m heats?
A: Pereira ran 11.15 seconds to win her heat and qualify fastest for the final.

Q: When is the Asian Games 100m final?
A: The final is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at 8:15pm local time.

Q: What is Shanti Pereira's personal best in the 100m?
A: Pereira's personal best is 11.02 seconds, set earlier in 2026.

Q: Who are Shanti Pereira's main rivals in the final?
A: China's Ge Manqi qualified second fastest (11.22), followed by Japan's Mei Kodama (11.28), and other qualifiers including Kazakhstan's Olga Safronova, India's Dutee Chand, and Bahrain's Edidiong Odiong.

Q: Has Shanti Pereira won an Asian Games medal before?
A: Yes, Pereira won silver in the 200m at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, and finished fourth in the 100m.

Q: What is the significance of Pereira's success for Singapore?
A: Pereira is Singapore's first athletics gold medallist in 49 years at the Asian Championships and has inspired a new generation of Singaporean sprinters.