Kadir Syed Abdul, born on February 16, 1948, made history as the first Singaporean to win a medal for boxing at the Commonwealth Games, securing a bronze. Throughout his illustrious career, Kadir not only represented Singapore at prestigious international competitions but also helped elevate the nation’s profile in the world of boxing.

Boxing Career

Kadir began his boxing journey at the tender age of 11, participating in school championships in the light featherweight class. By the age of 18, he trained under an ex-professional boxer, marking the start of his competitive career in the light flyweight division. His early years saw him excel, winning matches and rapidly gaining recognition.

In 1968, under the guidance of a new coach, Kadir clinched the Singapore Open title, which he successfully defended for eight consecutive years until his retirement in 1976. A year after his Open title win, Kadir claimed the National Championship and represented Singapore in the 1969 South East Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in Bangkok, earning a bronze medal.

Kadir’s international career, however, was not without challenges. At the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, he suffered a first-round loss. But he bounced back in 1971, winning a gold medal at the SEAP Games after defeating the defending champion, Vanla Dawla. His stellar performance earned him a merit award from the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC).

Olympic and Commonwealth Games

Kadir’s talents led him to represent Singapore at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Unfortunately, his Olympic dream was cut short due to an eyebrow injury that forced him out of medal contention. Undeterred, Kadir returned to the SEAP Games in 1973, winning a silver medal.

In 1974, Kadir achieved one of his career highlights, winning a bronze medal at the British Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. This was Singapore’s third-ever Commonwealth Games medal but its first outside the weightlifting category. His contributions to Singaporean boxing were honored when he was named Sportsman of the Year by SNOC in 1974. Despite facing more tough competition, including another first-round exit at the Asian Games in Tehran, Kadir’s legacy was already cemented. He went on to win another silver at the SEAP Games in 1975 before retiring in 1976 after competing in the President’s Cup in Jakarta. He finished his career with over 100 fights and only 11 losses, reigning as Singapore’s boxing champion for eight years.

Coaching and Leadership in Boxing

Following his retirement, Kadir transitioned to coaching and became a pivotal figure in Singapore’s boxing community. He joined the Singapore Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) and began coaching the national team. His coaching efforts bore fruit in 1985 when the team won several international medals, including Singapore’s first Southeast Asian Games gold in 12 years. Kadir’s achievements as a coach earned him the prestigious Coach of the Year award from SNOC, making him the second person after bowler Henry Tan to win both the Sportsman and Coach of the Year titles.

In 1989, Kadir was appointed chairman of the coaching committee for the SEA Games squad, further contributing to the sport’s development in Singapore. He served in various capacities at SABA, including honorary secretary and vice-president, before being elected president of the association in 2009. His decades-long commitment to boxing ensured that he left an enduring impact on Singapore’s sporting landscape.

Legacy

Kadir Syed Abdul’s legacy in Singaporean boxing remains unparalleled. As both a champion boxer and a revered coach, he not only achieved personal success but also played a key role in shaping the future of boxing in Singapore. His passion and dedication to the sport have inspired generations of athletes, ensuring that his contributions will be remembered for years to come.

Personal Life

Kadir Syed Abdul attended St. Andrew’s Junior School and later Bartley Secondary School.

In 1974, Kadir married Zalia Jaffar, who worked as a receptionist for the Singapore Sports Council. The couple has two children: a son, Syed Muhammed Fahmy, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become Singapore’s boxing champion, and a daughter, Hanni.