Asia Rugby Bids Farewell, Pays Tribute to One of Its Resilient Leaders: Vela Tan

Asia Rugby bids farewell to Mr Vela Tan, a key figure who has resigned from all posts within the Asia Rugby Executive Committee. Asia Rugby constitution states that for any individual to hold an Executive Committee position he/she must hold an officer status within the national governing body which is not the case with Mr Tan at the moment resulted in prompting Mr Tan to step down from his roles.

Mr Vela Tan. has been a member of the Asia Rugby Executive Committee since 2017. He was elected as Vice President in 2019 and also served as Chairperson of the Development Committee Vela Tan’s tenure has seen an increase in key developmental programmes that have helped to elevate the sport across the continent. As Chairperson of the Development Committee since 2017, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of rugby in Asia, ensuring that the sport thrives at the grassroots level.

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He has been a driving force behind the organisation’s strategic initiatives; through his many years of service, he has been given additional charge of chairing some major ad hoc committees and working groups. Moreover, Mr Tan’s influence has extended beyond his formal roles, leaving an indelible mark on the decision-making processes that steered Asia Rugby forward.

Beyond his regional roles, Mr Tan has been a tireless advocate for the sport at the national and grassroots levels. He represented Malaysia Rugby at the Asia Rugby Council from 2017 to 2018; has been a Founding President of the Eagles Rugby Club in Borneo since 2005; and was the driving force behind the Borneo Sevens – responsible for hosting the Asian Rugby Seven Series and Asia Women Pacific Championship in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, and the Asia Pacific Cross Regional Sevens in 2015.

“As Asia Rugby President, I express our gratitude for Mr Vela Tan’s significant contributions and believe there will be a void left by his departure,” Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai commented. “I wish him continued success in the future and hope to continue to receive valuable insight and guidance from him.”

Asia Rugby is indebted to Mr Vela Tan as he leaves a lasting impact on the organisation and the broader rugby community in the region.