4 Feb 10, SINGAPORE: Toh Li Min an elegant young lady from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) transforms into a mean hockey player for the Singapore National team. The tough tackling and agile Li Min is largely employed as a right half in Team Singapore and enjoys terrorising defenders from the opposing side with her polished moves.

The Jansenites premier league star is currently playing in the Singapore Hockey Federation Under-21 Championships. She has to date scored one goal and helped her team top Group A with two rounds of games left to play prior to the semi-finals.

Playing hockey from the age of 11 the Xishan Primary school girl made headway in the sport was an integral part of her team's progress in the inter-schools competition. She later enrolled at nearby Northland Secondary where hockey is sacred. Surrounded by hockey throughout, Li Min did not allow her studies to take a back seat. She managed to balance both her beloved hockey and school work to now study Sports and Wellness management at NYP.

Li Min's decisiveness during games provides her with the edge over many players. However, the 21-year old is still undecided about her future and quipped when asked what her ambition was, "I have not thought that far yet".

As the first female beneficiary of the SHF Athletes Assistance Trust Fund (AATF), Li Min has been handed a good opportunity to continue attending training despite her already heavy school schedule. Training thrice and playing one friendly game with the national team each week on top of her club commitments at the weekend does take a toll on Li Min.

The AATF defrays Li Min's education fees, transportation costs and allows her to make nutritious choices at meal times. Li Min is grateful for the confidence shown in her and was delighted to admit, "I want to keep playing hockey as long as I can."

The hockey fraternity is thankful for the dedication exhibited by players like Li Min and hope more beneficiaries of the AATF will soon be had. - story by SHF

The above article is part 2 of a 3-part feature about the AATF and its beneficiaries. Next edition will be about Junior World Cup player Tan Yi Ru, our first athlete to be supported by the AATF.