Social media pushes world's hottest netball player to online stardom

A combination of social media, instant photography and beauty on the sports field is creating a new breed of superstar. One who is instantly Instagrammed or Tweeted into worldwide celebrity status.

The sports beauty in question often has nothing to do with the fame; and in some cases does not even want it.

After 17-year-old Kazakh Sabina Altynbekova spiked her way to the unofficial title of world's most beautiful volleyball player – irking her coaches along the way, Alexandra Botez was an internet sensation as the 'world's prettiest' chess player.

[Pic credit: Charmaine Soh official Facebook page]

Now, meet Charmaine Soh, the latest claimant to the title of world’s hottest netball player, and the face of Singapore netball – according to asiaone.

In an interview to the New Paper, quoted by asiaone, she admits the sudden fame is a strange experience.

During a recent fashion shoot, Soh seems calm and composed and prefers to talk netball.

A 3,000-strong crowd turned up to watch her play at a recent game.

[Pic credit: Charmaine Soh official Facebook page]

"Previously, hardly anyone turned up to watch us. At best, there would be a few hundred," says the 24-year-old.

The team won the Asian Netball Championship, beating long-time rival Sri Lanka 59-41 and qualifying for next year's Netball World Cup.

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