For three years, Mr Jonathan Tan has faithfully laced up his shoes for the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ team at CJ’s Cup. This year, he returned home with more than just memories of another hard-fought tournament. He became the first recipient of the CJ’s Cup Fair Play Award, which recognises exemplary conduct both on and off the pitch.
Match referees observed that Jonathan demonstrated great sportsmanship during the game and carried himself very professionally throughout the tournament. “Beyond the match itself, he was encouraging towards fellow players and was very respectful on the court.”
Jonathan receiving the CJ’s Cup Fair Play Award from Justice Kwek Mean Luck.
Held on 16 May at the Kovan Sports Centre, the event started not with a whistle, but a mass workout that got everyone moving, energised and warmed up for the day’s showdown.
The energy carried through to the opening exhibition match, which saw former national footballers on both sides of the pitch for a spirited and well-matched contest. The SAL All-Star Team — featuring Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong SC, Justice Kwek Mean Luck, Justice Hri Kumar Nair and football legend Fandi Ahmad, alongside other players — faced off against the Law Society’s Women’s Team, which had former national captain Nazri Nasir lending his experience.
The SAL All-Star Team (in blue) emerged victorious, winning 3-0.
After the friendly opening, the competition shifted into full gear as 20 teams took to the pitch. Following a gruelling series of round-robin matches, hard-fought knockouts and plenty of cheers from the sidelines, WongPartnership reclaimed the championship, having last won it in 2024. Allen & Gledhill LLP finished as first runner-up, while Oon & Bazul LLC came in as second runner-up.
20 teams from across the legal profession participated in CJ’s Cup 2026.
Reflecting on the win, WongPartnership’s captain Mr Shamus Lim said: “Football is won as a team, and it was the collective effort and trust in our own individual abilities, as well as those of our teammates, that carried us through.”
WongPartnership reclaimed the CJ’s Cup title, which they had last won in 2024.
Beyond the competition, the CJ’s Cup once again served a larger purpose. Held annually, the tournament brings members of the legal profession together in support of Yellow Ribbon Cares and the Singapore After-Care Association. This year’s edition raised close to $197,000 for both beneficiaries. From the opening whistle to the final match, the 11th CJ’s Cup was a celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship and giving back — proving once again that sport can bring people together for a cause greater than the game.