Savour The Glory And Move On

   Uncategorized   3 Minutes

The performance and achievements of ex-international sportsmen and sportswomen in bringing honour to the nation is much appreciated. Memories that are cherished.

There is an attendant poser, though.

Should they acknowledge their age-factor and move on?

Firstly, there is this pertinent qualifier. Some of these ex-international sportsmen and sportswomen are contributing or giving back to sports. They serve as administrators in sports. Some are into coaching, managing teams or getting their own their children involved in sports to continue their legacy.

I wish to allude to the lamentations of some others, including those who are serving, or, being involved in Ex-International Associations for their respective sport and also the Malaysian Olympians Association, by way of citing an example.

There is this sense that the present generation does not properly acknowledge their past contributions.

They should not be denied their right to air their grievances. Still, those who are still complaining that they have not been rewarded or not recognised, it is also time that they become mentors to the present-day sportsmen and sportswomen, be happy with what they have received. Move on.

Some of those who are still dissatisfied, have titles bestowed on them in recognition of their achievements and contribution in sports.

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There also reportedly get some business contracts, and, medical aid from YAKEB (Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan). Others have secured jobs with government bodies or agencies and corporate sectors. Additionally, they are being invited to officials events.

It must also be pointed out that they competed in an era of amateurism. Sports has evolved into professionalism.

They say they had competed for the love of sport and pride of the nation and present- day athletes still do it for the same reason.

That the present-day talents are compensated financially in the form of allowance and cash rewards for winning at all level of competition including the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), should not be an issue.

Back in the day, our sporting talents didn’t receive the prize money offered for National Sportsman and Sportswoman award. This would have been an infringement of their amateur status. The prize money went to the associations.

This is an era of professionals and past athletes cannot be harping on they are not receiving, what the present- day athletes are reaping. This is my main contention, from the standpoint of a 66-year-old journalist and sports commentator who has had to make adjustments.

Of course, the past athletes will argue that their performances were better in the days of amateurism. Then again, this is subjective as sports has also evolved, scaling higher standards.

Many countries have developed sports significantly with sports science being a part and parcel of sports.

We must now move to the next poser. How should our past athletes still contribute if they are interested and probably can be remunerated in a small way.

One area where these past sportsmen and women of the various sports can contribute is to become talent scouts in their respective sports!

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This at a time when talent scout system is virtually non existent in Malaysia.

Many ex-international associations have been time and again reminded to approach their national bodies to offer their services and probably remunerated for their time and services with ‘petrol money’ or token subsistence.

They can organise weekly coaching clinics at their villages, districts, towns or schools.

For now, these ex-international associations seem to be focusing on competing in ex-international tournaments overseas. While the veterans should be earning an income, their travels abroad will have to be funded. They would turn to sponsors, to cite an example.

Some associations even accommodate players who have not played for their states in order to strengthen their teams when they compete. Certainly not in the right spirit of their associations.

It is good that they keep themselves occupied but it would be better if they give back to the game and help in the development of their respective sports instead of just being mere critics. And earn an income. This would be good for their self esteem. They will earn the respect of many.

It is also pointless to be organising coaching clinics in one area, once a year. It has to be continuous long term programme conducted every weekend if it is to have any impact.

At the same time, these ex-internationals must realise that the various sports these days too have evolved and played at a different pace, on different surface, different rules. The demands of the game are entirely different. I don’t intend to demotivate them. Instead yes go on and make adjustments accordingly. Improve. Be better.

All said and done, the ex-sportsmen and sportswomen, should play a more proactive role instead of just being mere critics and continuing to complain how the present-day athletes are rewarded.

It is a different era in sports. It is about time ex-internationals embrace the changes. Or, move on.

Ends