Do Singapore’s athletes need more funding? Official’s ‘come to party’ review spurs debate
The debate was prompted by a sports official’s underwhelming assessment of Singapore’s performance in athletics at the recent SEA Games
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.
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.
Thirty-nine athletes represented Singapore in athletics events, closing the Games with nine medals – three golds, three silvers and three bronzes.