The resilience behind RP Sportswoman of the Year
“People often see my achievements, but not the self-doubt behind them,” says Iman Atrisya Iwani. “I constantly pushed myself to improve because I never wanted to become complacent, but I was often my own toughest critic.”
Behind her title as RP Sportswoman of the Year lies a journey defined by perseverance, resilience and a passion for helping others.
Iman's sporting journey began in primary school, where she discovered her love for Tchoukball alongside her elder sister. She went on to represent her school in competitions and was eventually appointed team captain.
Her performances caught the attention of the Tchoukball Association of Singapore, earning her a place in its Centre of Excellence programme. After Secondary 1, though, she decided to try a new challenge: netball. A knee injury soon followed, requiring months of physiotherapy.
Rather than discouraging her, the experience sparked her interest in sports science and rehabilitation. Inspired to help others recover from injuries, the Chua Chu Kang Secondary School alumna enrolled in RP's Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science through the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE).
At RP, Iman reignited her passion and joined the RP Tchoukball Team, eventually becoming captain. Under her leadership, the team secured bronze at the POL-ITE Games 2025. She also earned selection to the Singapore Under-19 Girls Tchoukball National Development Squad.
Beyond the court, Iman is passionate about giving back. Drawing on lessons from RP's Inclusive Physical Activity module, she co-led a Tchoukball activity at a Sports Day carnival for children with special needs from Thye Hua Kwan Early Intervention for Children.
With her teammate, she also co-led service-learning initiatives for My Inspiring Journey (MIJ) Hub, using sports to promote inclusivity and create meaningful experiences for people with learning differences and special care needs.
For Iman, true success isn't just about achieving your goals. It's about inspiring and uplifting others along the way.
Learn more about the RISE Awards and this year's recipients: www.rp.edu.sg/student/rise-awards/
Iman Atrisya Iwani's story is a compelling example of how resilience and determination can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership. Starting her athletic journey in primary school with Tchoukball, a sport that requires quick reflexes and teamwork, Iman not only developed her skills but also her leadership abilities, eventually becoming team captain. It’s inspiring to see someone transition from early talent to a mature leader who understands that self-doubt is a common but conquerable hurdle. Her knee injury and rehabilitation period did not mark an end but rather a turning point, sparking her interest in sports science and rehabilitation. This experience resonates with many athletes who often face physical setbacks; the key takeaway is that such challenges can lead to new passions and career paths beyond competitive sports. Iman’s decision to pursue a Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science at Republic Polytechnic highlights the value of combining academic pursuits with athletic experience. At RP, she demonstrated excellent leadership by guiding her Tchoukball team to a bronze medal in the POL-ITE Games 2025 and securing a spot on the Singapore Under-19 Girls Tchoukball National Development Squad. These achievements underline the importance of persistence, teamwork, and the willingness to embrace multiple roles—athlete, captain, student, and mentor. Moreover, Iman’s commitment to inclusivity through community service is particularly significant. By co-leading sports activities for children with special needs and contributing to service-learning projects that support people with learning differences, she extends the impact of sports beyond competition. This reflects a broader perspective of success—one that values uplifting others and fostering a supportive environment. From my own experience in sports, I’ve learned that the most rewarding part isn’t just the medals or awards but the relationships built and the positive influence we can have on others. Iman’s journey echoes this sentiment perfectly: personal improvement goes hand in hand with helping others rise. Her story is a reminder that true leadership involves vulnerability, accountability, and the courage to keep moving forward despite doubts or setbacks. For anyone passionate about sports or rehabilitation, exploring courses like the Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science and engaging in community initiatives can be a great way to combine personal interests with meaningful impact. Iman’s example encourages us all to harness our struggles as fuel for growth and to inspire inclusiveness within our communities through the power of sport.
