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Ball in athletes’ court: Former S’pore stalwarts

SINGAPORE — With the huge amount invested into developing sports in Singapore, the Republic’s athletes must make this year’s South-east Asian (SEA) Games count, say former national athletes TODAY spoke to.

The Lions at the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament last year.  Singapore need to win the football title this year, said former national footballer Rafi Ali, who had to settle for bronze in the 1993 Games. TODAY File Photo

The Lions at the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament last year. Singapore need to win the football title this year, said former national footballer Rafi Ali, who had to settle for bronze in the 1993 Games. TODAY File Photo

SINGAPORE — With the huge amount invested into developing sports in Singapore, the Republic’s athletes must make this year’s South-east Asian (SEA) Games count, say former national athletes TODAY spoke to.

Hosts Singapore are aiming to at least match the record 50 gold medal haul achieved at the 1993 Games — the previous time it was held here — at the coming SEA Games, which is part of the build-up to Singapore’s 50th National Day on Aug 9.

Former national stalwarts such as swimmer Ang Peng Siong, footballers Rafi Ali and Aide Iskandar and discus thrower James Wong believe the ripple effects will be immense for Singapore’s sporting future if the record haul of 50 gold medals can be matched or bettered.

“Obviously, it will be disappointing if we don’t match the 50 gold medal target,” said Ang, 52, who famously beat Indonesian star Richard Sam Bera to win the men’s 50m freestyle at the 1993 Games despite a back injury. “The number 50 is not impossible to achieve or surpass. A lot of initiatives were put in place back in the 2000s to enhance the local sports scene.”

In 2013, the Government announced about S$1.5 billion would be invested in developing sports in Singapore, including S$100 million for sports excellence. Sport Singapore also introduced a one-year support scheme called The Final Push, which gives more than 200 athletes financial help, while the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) gave 14 National Sports Associations nearly S$300,000.

Last week, the SNOC announced 950 athletes had made the first round for selection to the Games, with the number being finalised by April. Among the sports expected to deliver medals include swimming, table tennis, netball, sailing and shooting. But it is the SEA Games gold medal in men’s football, which Singapore has never won, that is arguably the most coveted.

Rafi, who had to settle for bronze in 1993, believes Singapore needs to win the football title. “Football in Singapore is not doing great with so much criticism,” he said. “But the SEA Games is a good chance to show we can do something and win back fans.”

Singapore national under-23 head coach Aide, whose side will compete at the SEA Games, said there is no excuse not to win gold.

“The boys can achieve what no other teams or legends have done before,” said the former national captain. “It will be very disappointing if we do not win for the fans and for Singapore’s birthday.”

Multiple SEA Games discus champion Wong also stressed that winning at the SEA Games can have a huge mental breakthrough effect. “Getting the first one out of the way was great, getting two golds means it is not a fluke, and getting three means your ability is there,” he said.

Nonetheless, Ang felt it will not be entirely doom and gloom if Singapore fail to reach their target. He said: “If we do not, it is a good time revisit things and see how we can do better.”

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