THE controversial saga surrounding the local table-tennis scene remains a talking point.

But that did not stop over 300 supporters from gathering at Changi Airport's Terminal 3 yesterday to receive Singapore's table-tennis and sailing teams, back from their successful campaign at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The women paddlers - made up of captain Li Jiawei, Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu - won a silver medal in the team event, ending a 48-year medal drought.

Singapore's previous medal was achieved by weightlifter Tan Howe Liang, who won a silver at the 1960 Rome Games.

En route to Raffles City Shopping Centre for a planned celebration, rapturous applause and cheer greeted the trio as they made their way around the heartlands onboard an open-top Hippo bus.

Student Ee Liang Ying, 15, who rushed to the venue from school, told my paper: "They really showed their fighting spirit and, as a Singaporean, I am very proud."

Sharing similar sentiments, marketing manager Myra Lee, 28, said: "With so much pressure to win a medal, it must have been hard on them.

"Because of what they achieved, I guess all the waiting has paid off."

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