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SINGAPORE: The President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association has said it is time to move beyond the controversy involving the removal of some officials.
Instead, she wants to focus on developing table tennis as a sport here. But the furore has cast a shadow over the team.
Singapore's impressive showing in the Olympics table tennis team event may have come as a surprise to some. But team member Wang Yuegu said the silver medal was due to individual skills and good teamwork.
"Jiawei is a little impatient, and she plays more conservatively near the end. I'm more aggressive, and that's how we complement each other. She would want me to slow down, while I'll say, 'It's okay, you got to be more decisive'," she said.
But the Games also brought out some weaknesses. Feng Tianwei, Olympic Team silver medallist, said: "I still need more experience, and I'll have to improve my technical skills."
Li Jiawei, Olympic Team silver medallist, said: "We had some psychological training before the Games, we had requested for it. But this was lacking when the competition in Beijing was underway."
But the glitter of their victory was overshadowed by the decision to let go of team manager Antony Lee. While the views on this are mixed, the players trust that any decision made will be in their best interests.
As to the controversy surrounding the removal of some table tennis officials, the Association's president declined comment, except to say that where the Head Coach was concerned, she was looking forward to working with him for the next Olympic Games.
Scholarships, developing youth talent, and the 2010 Youth Olympics are all on the horizon. The Singapore Sports School, for instance, has agreed to provide full scholarships for the eight table tennis players who will be selected for the YOG.
However, the priority is to review the players' needs and find a coach for the men's team.
Lee Bee Wah, President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association, said: "Our players like Feng Tianwei really have lots of potential. If we were to give her our full support, I would say her individual medal (chances) in the next Olympics is really within reach."
Other plans include giving the players more overseas exposure. - CNA/de
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