A statement by the secretary general of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) that athletics had to “come to the party” for the city state to attain better SEA Games results has elicited a heated response from the local athletics community and others in the sporting fraternity.
The saga also sparked discussion on whether Singapore’s athletes were receiving sufficient monetary rewards for achievements and rigorous development pathways.
SNOC chief Mark Chay made the comments on Saturday during a review of Singapore’s performance in the 33rd edition of the Games, which were held in Bangkok from December 9 to Saturday.
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Chay applauded the efforts of the country’s 926-strong sports contingent, but said “we do need to inculcate this competitive edge”. He added: “If not, what we’re doing is that we’re encouraging satisfactory performances, where our athletes are satisfied with not winning.”
Singapore finished fifth in the medal standings at the Games, with 202 medals – 52 golds, 61 silvers and 89 bronzes. Hosts Thailand topped the table with 500 medals – 233 golds, 154 silvers and 113 bronzes.
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Thirty-nine athletes represented Singapore in athletics events, closing the Games with nine medals – three golds, three silvers and three bronzes.