Li Ling, who has been in Singapore for over 10 years, plays for the Singapore National Netball Team and had already known Pathman for a long time, but the two did not become close until they met at a sports rehabilitation centre after both sustained injuries. The two started talking and Pathman eventually asked Li Ling for her number, and a dinner date. Their love story began about a year ago when Pathman and Li Ling officially started dating as a couple.

About two months ago, Pathman decided it was time to pop the question. Not wanting the usual “romantic dinner” type proposal, he was thinking hard on how to make it memorable. It then occurred to Pathman that since both Li Ling and himself are professional athletes, where better than to propose than after a match – “Because I am a professional basketball player with the Singapore Slingers and I wanted my family and friends to witness it, and not forgetting our fans. A dinner would be too predictable and not much of a surprise element.”

Together with team mates Desmond Oh and Pang Jing Hong, Pathman planned out the proposal and set the date for 17 December. After the match, which Slingers won 69 – 66 against the Thailand Tigers, Pathman got down on one knee and in front of the Singapore media, Slingers Fans and team mates, he proposed to a blushing Li Ling. Li Ling said yes, and Pathman slipped the ring on her finger and the two shared a loving kiss in front of a cheering crowd.

The happy couple is currently in China to see Li Ling’s parents.