SINGAPORE – B team: “Spar or go”

Singapore, Jan 11th. Following the announcement that CEO of Singapore Badminton Association, Mr. Edwin Pang  would be leaving on Feb 9, there was more breaking news on the Singapore badminton scene today.  According to the Straits Times, 10 second string singles players from Team 2 have been told to choose between helping out as sparring partners or leaving. They have also been invited to join NIS (National Intermediate Squad) to play the role of sparring partners, whereby they will get no allowance nor opportunities to compete in overseas tournaments. Team 2 players were sent to tournaments such as the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold 2010. NIS, which is expected to be formed soon as part of a strategy to develop youth talent,  is for players aged 13 to 17. The age of the players from Team 2 range from 18 to 21 years old.

One of the 10 players, Noriko Goh, 18,  told Badzine she has decided to leave to pursue her degree studies: “I am thinking of studying sports psychology. After all, I have been an athlete, so maybe in some ways I can contribute to the sports industry.”

According to the Straits Times, Kelvin Ho, who opted against taking his O level (secondary school) examinations in 2007 – despite his father’s disapproval – to train full time, has also decided to leave to go studying to secure a better future.