SINGAPORE: “Hunclemania” ran wild at the Tanjong Pagar Community Club on the evening of Oct 25, when seniors took centre stage (or rather, ring) at the inaugural WrestlePagar event.
Backed by the rapturous cheers of more than 275 residents in attendance, Lai Weng Kay, 92, and Richard Lim, 75, stepped through the ropes to face off against – and run off – the villainous pairing of LFG, made up of two wrestlers decades younger than them.
WrestlePagar was organised by the People’s Association, Tanjong Pagar CC and local promotion company Grapplemax Pro Wrestling.
The showcase featured a total of six matches, including contests for Grapplemax’s Tag Team and Rising championship titles
Lai and Lim are part of Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru’s H.U.N.C.L.E (Healthy Uncles who Network, drink Coffee, Learn and Exercise) programme.
Lai, who has been a part of H.U.N.C.L.E since 2024, said he was pumped up at the chance to participate.
“Not only did I get to step into the wrestling ring, but I was also able to enjoy the thrilling matches with my fellow ‘Huncle’ friends,” he said.
The H.U.N.C.L.E programme, launched in 2024, is tailored for men aged 50 and above residing in the Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru division.
About 300 participants – known as “Huncles” – have signed up for the programme to remain physically, mentally and socially active. Activities include regular group exercises, health talks and community bonding.
The Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Constituency Office said it decided to organise WrestlePagar after it considered “our huncles’ preference for dynamic and action-packed activities”.
Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Foo Cexiang was the guest of honour at the event.
Foo, who said he grew up watching and loving wrestling, said the show “highlighted so much of what is great in Singapore”, noting that most of the wrestlers featured are juggling their passion with a full-time job or studies.
“Most of all, for us in Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru, it was such a proud moment to see our Huncles ringside, cheering on the action with enthusiasm – and the crowning moment was when Uncle Lai and Uncle Richard got into the ring to lay a few smacks on the ‘baddies’.
“We are so proud of our Huncles – who decided to step into the community to make new friends, keep fit and now, even take it to another level. It is all part of our efforts to engage and energise our community.”
Michelle Pay, chairperson of Tanjong Pagar CC’s management committee, said: “The theatrics of professional wrestling are entertaining, exciting and full of nostalgia for those who grew up watching it on television.
“WrestlePagar brings back that energy, giving the not-so-old a chance to relive their passion and share it with young people.” - The Straits Times/ANN
