SINGAPORE: In another sign of a growing sports industry here, lawyers say Singapore is keen to set up an arbitration panel or office for sports.

And this is why some law firms, such as Rajah & Tann, have also recently set up a department for sports law practice.

Channel NewsAsia understands that Singapore is trying to get the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest sports tribunal, to set up shop here.

Lau Kok Keng, Rajah & Tann's Head of Sports Law Practice, said: "Instead of a sporting dispute being resolved all the way in Switzerland, if the sporting disputes involve parties in Asia, they could come to Singapore and use the services of the body that's been set up here. If there's an available supply of sports lawyers - not just to take care of the Singapore market but also in Asia - we'll continue to have the opportunity of providing such services to people in the Middle East, people in India, in China."

Singapore is in the midst of evaluating the proposals for the Sports Hub. And as the sporting industry here thrives and grows, many see a corresponding need for law services in this arena to increase as well.

The Singapore Silat Federation couldn't agree more, especially since Singapore athletes are competing more regularly in international competitions.

Having good sports law services might also help to attract international sporting organisations to set up their headquarters in Singapore.

Michael Palmer, Harry Elias Partnership's Head of Sports Law Practice, said: "Sports law consists of intellectual property, broadcast rights, commercial agreements and of course some dispute resolution. Singapore's going to become a sport hub.....Just like every other aspect of infrastructure, you need the legal support for sport if you're going to have a sport hub."

Harry Elias Partnership is the first law firm in Singapore to have a sports law practice. - CNA/ir