Back-to-Back Victory at the Court of Arbitration for Sport
Singapore Management University Yong Pung How School of Law undergraduates have once again claimed the top spot in the Sports Law Arbitration Moot, known as SLAM, securing consecutive championships for the second year running. On April 24, 2026, Samantha Chong Wei En and Ameerul Putra Bin Abdul Wahab triumphed in the grand final held at the prestigious Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. This feat underscores SMU Law's rising dominance in international moot competitions and highlights the school's commitment to nurturing top-tier legal talent in specialized fields like sports law arbitration.
The competition drew 77 teams from universities worldwide, with SMU's duo outperforming strong contenders including the University of Maribor from Slovenia in the final. Their win not only defends the title they captured in their debut appearance in 2025 but also reinforces Singapore's position as a hub for legal excellence in arbitration.
Meet the Winning Team
Samantha Chong Wei En, a second-year LLB student, and Ameerul Putra Bin Abdul Wahab, in his third year of the LLB program, formed the core advocacy team. Supporting them was Darius Chan, a third-year JD student who handled research duties. This collaboration exemplifies the teamwork essential in high-stakes moot court scenarios.
The students balanced rigorous academic schedules with months of preparation, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Samantha noted the thrill of arguing before CAS arbitrators, while Ameerul emphasized the real-world applicability of their arguments to sports disputes.
Understanding the Sports Law Arbitration Moot
The Sports Law Arbitration Moot, organized by LawInSport, is a premier international competition designed to simulate disputes before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the supreme body for sports-related legal matters. Teams draft written submissions and deliver oral arguments on hypothetical cases involving anti-doping, athlete contracts, or governance issues under the World Anti-Doping Code or CAS procedural rules.
For the 2026 edition, the seventh overall, qualifying rounds were conducted online from February to March, narrowing 77 entrants to eight quarter-finalists. The in-person grand finals on April 23-24 coincided with the International Dispute Resolution in Sport Conference, judged by renowned CAS arbitrators like Martina Spreitzer-Kropiunik, James Drake KC, and Martin Schimke. Winners receive £1,500, underscoring the competition's prestige. Learn more about SLAM on the official site.
The Intensive Preparation Journey
Preparation for SLAM began months in advance with the release of the moot problem in November 2025, focusing on an anti-doping violation linked to contaminated supplements. The team dissected the case, researching CAS precedents, anti-doping regulations, and international arbitration principles.
- Research Phase: Gathering case law from CAS awards and scholarly articles on strict liability in doping cases.
- Memorial Drafting: Crafting persuasive 40-page submissions for appellant and respondent sides, due in January 2026.
- Oral Practice: Mock rounds with coaches, refining delivery, rebuttals, and time management for 30-minute pleas.
- Travel and Finals: Adapting to in-person pressure at CAS, judged by elite arbitrators.
This step-by-step process honed analytical skills vital for future litigators.
Guidance from Coaches and Experts
Assistant Professor Koh Hui Theng and Mr. Andrej Kristan provided expert coaching, drawing from their arbitration experience. The team also consulted Goh Chui Ling, a former Singapore national runner and practicing lawyer specializing in sports law. Her insights into elite athlete challenges added authenticity to their arguments. Goh's dual background bridged theory and practice, enriching the team's perspective on real-world sports disputes.
Dean Mak and Minister for Law Edwin Tong congratulated the team, highlighting the victory's role in elevating Singapore's legal profile globally. SMU's official announcement details the celebrations.
SMU Law's Storied Moot Court Tradition
SMU Yong Pung How School of Law consistently ranks among the top three globally for international moots per Nica.team rankings, with over 60 championships since 2010. In the 2024/25 season alone, they reached 10 world finals, winning five. Recent triumphs include the 2025 Jessup International Law Moot world championship and multiple regional victories.
This SLAM back-to-back win cements their reputation as Singapore's most improved law program, fostering skills like legal research, drafting, and advocacy that employers prize. Participation rates are high, with moots integrated into the curriculum for practical training.
Sports Law's Growing Importance in Singapore
Singapore positions itself as Asia's arbitration capital through the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), handling thousands of cases annually. Sports law is emerging with the Singapore Sports Hub, hosting major events, and aspirations for Olympic bids. CAS relevance grows as Singapore eyes ad hoc divisions for regional games.
Scholars advocate for dedicated sports arbitration frameworks, leveraging SIAC's expertise. Victories like SMU's spotlight Singapore lawyers in global forums. Explore sports arbitration in Singapore research.
Benefits for Legal Education and Student Development
Moot court participation transforms theoretical knowledge into practical prowess. Students gain confidence in courtroom simulations, improve public speaking, and network with professionals. In Singapore's competitive legal market, moot wins boost resumes, aiding pupillage and firm placements.
- Enhanced research and writing under tight deadlines.
- Teamwork in high-pressure environments.
- Exposure to niche areas like sports arbitration, opening specialized careers.
- Global recognition, as seen in SMU's top rankings.
Studies show mooters excel in bar exams and early practice, making it indispensable for Singapore law schools.
Career Pathways in Sports Law Arbitration
SLAM alumni pursue roles at SIAC, sports federations, or international firms. Singapore lawyers serve as CAS arbitrators, handling doping and contract disputes. Careers span in-house counsel for teams, compliance advisors, or policy roles at Sport Singapore.
With Asia's sports boom—SEA Games, Asian Games—demand rises. Moot experience positions graduates advantageously, blending law with passion for sports.
Implications for Singapore's Higher Education Landscape
SMU's success outshines peers like NUS Law, fueling healthy rivalry. It attracts top students and funding, elevating Singapore universities globally. Amidst NEP reforms emphasizing practical skills, moots align perfectly, preparing grads for international practice.
Challenges include funding travel and balancing academics, but benefits outweigh, fostering resilient lawyers.
Photo by Muhammad Faiz Zulkeflee on Unsplash
Future Outlook for SMU Law and Singapore Moots
With upcoming moots and AI integration in legal prep, SMU aims for more titles. Singapore's arbitration hub status promises growth in sports law programs. Aspiring students: dive into moots for unparalleled growth. This victory inspires the next generation, solidifying SMU Law's legacy.