SINGAPORE: Anya Zahedi will make her Southeast Asian (SEA) Games debut in Thailand next week – but she stands out even among a sea of top athletes.

The 12-year-old Optimist class sailor is among the youngest athletes in Singapore's record 930-strong contingent.

"I feel nervous, but excited at the same time. Because it's my first (time) representing Singapore at a major Games,” the Primary 6 student told CNA.

“I really want to do well, but I know that the competition is really tough."

ON THE WATER SINCE AGE SEVEN

Anya picked up sailing as a co-curricular activity (CCA) in Primary 1 at Tao Nan School, inspired by her older sister Nia Zahedi, who is also a national sailor.

After joining Singapore Sailing Federation’s – the national governing body for the sport – weekend activities, she

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