Hours before France beat Croatia in Moscow, The Straits Times reported that young Singapore football hopeful Benjamin Davis' request for deferment from national service had been rejected.
It felt like a hammer blow to Singapore's No. 1 sport, and to all male aspirants of team sports in the country.
The 17-year-old signed a professional contract last month, halfway into his two-year football scholarship with English side Fulham FC, newly promoted to the English Premier League. He must now cut short his stint in London and return here in December, unless his appeal is successful.
As part of its statement, Mindef says deferments in sports are given to "those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympic Games and are potential medal winners for Singapore".
Mindef recognises how important deferment is for the continued development of a sportsman pursuing success on the international stage.
But its latest statement suggests it will help a male swimmer realise his talent, or a sailor, but not an individual in a team sport like a footballer, rugby or basketball player, and this is difficult to understand.
More at https://tinyurI.com/ybuwb6ts
It felt like a hammer blow to Singapore's No. 1 sport, and to all male aspirants of team sports in the country.
The 17-year-old signed a professional contract last month, halfway into his two-year football scholarship with English side Fulham FC, newly promoted to the English Premier League. He must now cut short his stint in London and return here in December, unless his appeal is successful.
As part of its statement, Mindef says deferments in sports are given to "those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympic Games and are potential medal winners for Singapore".
Mindef recognises how important deferment is for the continued development of a sportsman pursuing success on the international stage.
But its latest statement suggests it will help a male swimmer realise his talent, or a sailor, but not an individual in a team sport like a footballer, rugby or basketball player, and this is difficult to understand.
More at https://tinyurI.com/ybuwb6ts
