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March 15, 2008
Foreign students have unfair advantage in sports
I STRONGLY agree with Mr Poh Kim Hwee ('Foreign talent schemes for youth worth reviewing'', March 5). The organiser of inter primary and secondary school tournaments (especially table tennis) should review such schemes and their objectives.

How much time each week can local schools set aside for students to train in sports? Locally trained players have to cope with demanding academic studies and balance their limited time in order to excel in sports, a very different environment from that enjoyed by foreign talent. In most cases, schools with the most foreign students are victorious in school competitions.

Do schools still need to engage coaches to train local students if they can just bring in foreign students to represent them? Capping the number of foreign players is one good move, and foreign players should settle down in school for at least a year before taking part in these tournaments. Alternatively, consider opening another division in these tournaments for groups of foreign players.

Lacy Soh Lay See (Mdm)

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