Singapore attained independence in 1965 and sports became an important instrument by the Government to bring together, different ethnic groups to better understand and accept each other through play and teamwork. It was in the midst of the Pesta Sukan celebrations that Singapore became an independent nation. The sports festival subsequently became synonymous with National Day celebrations for nearly two decades.

In 1967, the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) implemented the annual Sports Awards (Sportsman, Sportswoman & Coach of the Year) to recognise outstanding atheletes and coaches.

In 1969, the National Fitness Exercise (NFX) was launched to encourage the general population to exercise. Every morning and evening, the radio stations played music to exercise to. Records of this "exercise" music were produced and given to interested parties.

More history can be found at the Sports Museum.

Sports Museum was established in May 1983 and the Sports Museum at National Stadium was officially opened by Dr Yeo Ning Hong, Minister for Communication and 2nd Minister for Defence and President, Singapore National Olympic Council on 15 December 1990.