There is no rags to riches story for any would be and talented player. After 35 years of age, what else can they look forward to? Given the incentives,show the wannabe players that those who did well for the nation are well rewarded even after retiring from the game. Then they might have the confidence to forsake studies and a career to devote themselves and excel. Those local national sportsmen, like Tan Howe Liang, Fandi, Kelly and Pat Chan, etc., who brought glory to Singapore, were they properly compensated? Did they accumulated enough wealth that will provide for them until they are old? Remember that in your youth, you have all the opportunities to further your career in various fields, such that when you get old, you and your family have a nice nest-egg set aside. What about professional sportsmen in Singapore? Don't they deserve it? Talents are not just brains alone. Why are those executives paid so highly, yet do not bring glory to the country, whereas sportsmen gain nothing devoting their lives to the game?
Your point is correct, but that's where they could have revamped the process completely.
For those ex players who are interested, send them for overseas training to be managers, coaches, trainers, even physios or referees.
For those with more intellect, let them go and study sports psychology or management.
There are so many opportunities in sports, so many different types of sports and events these days, that there are plenty of opportunities for those who are willing and able.
Like I said in an earlier post, it's almost like a mini-economy in itself.
But what did they do? Recruit foreign coaches, managers, put politicians in high posts, and bring in as many foreign sportspersons as they could.
All for a quick fix and to bring quick glory to the leaders when they meet their counterparts from other countries and to further the lower level politicians' ambitions.
For some sports, it worked temporarily, for others, not so much.
