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But that was exactly the scene at trendy nightspot St James Power Station last night.
Athletes, coaches, officials and those who had contributed to Singapore's successful outing at last month's South-east Asia Games enjoyed a night of entertainment and plain let-your-hair-down fun.
The occasion - the Multi-million-dollar Award Programme (MAP) presentation and Team Singapore appreciation dinner, to celebrate the country's achievements at the 24th edition of the Games in Thailand.
A beaming wushu exponent Goh Qiu Bin said: 'It's my first time coming to this club, but I'm having lots of fun.'
His sentiments were shared by the 400-odd guests who turned up.
For them, it was a rare occasion to don non-sports attire and mingle freely over beer, wine, cocktails - and laughter.
From guest-of-honour and Singapore National Olympic Council chairman Teo Chee Hean, to veteran sports administrator Tan Eng Yoon, 80, as well as 17-year-old gymnastics twins Tabitha and Nicole Tay, everyone wore a smile.
And rightly so.
The 423 athletes, Singapore's biggest contingent to any major Games, returned with 43 golds, 43 silvers and 41 bronzes.
The 43-gold haul was the Republic's best performance at an away SEA Games, and bettered the previous mark of 42 set at the 2005 Philippines Games.
Singapore's fifth spot in the medal standings was also an improvement on 2005's sixth place.
In his welcome address, Mr Teo highlighted the new generation of young athletes who have emerged to take over the mantle from retired stars like Joscelin Yeo and James Wong.
These include shooter Jonathan Koh (aged 17) and swimmers Zach Ong (17) and Quah Ting Wen (15).
Mr Teo was also heartened that 18 per cent, or 78 athletes, were aged 18 or below.
Of this group, 47 won 19 golds, 18 silvers and 10 bronzes.
He said: 'This is the age group for the Youth Olympic Games, so I think we want to give them all the encouragement that we can.
'I hope other young athletes will see this as an inspiration and work hard, represent Singapore in the Youth Olympics and bring back some medals for us.'
The all-conquering water-polo team, who captured their 22nd consecutive SEA Games title, also came in for special mention.
Mr Teo, who is the Defence Minister, also paid tribute to the women's softball team, even though they won a silver.
He had watched the likes of pitcher Suzanne Tan play 2005 silver medallists Indonesia in Korat.
He said: 'I went to watch them and, quite honestly, I was not sure how well they would do.
'The Indonesian team is a very experienced team, but they went out there and we did really well and beat them.
'It was such a joy to watch, especially since our team was a very young team, and they were not intimidated...I think that's the kind of spirit we want to see.'
For those who struck gold, monetary incentives totalling $520,000 were presented to them under the MAP.
Said water polo goalkeeper Nigel Tay: 'The money's a nice hongbao before Chinese New Year.'
The 19-year-old will split the $30,000 for a team-sports gold with his 12 teammates.
Swimmer Tao Li topped the earnings list, receiving $23,750 for winning the 100m butterfly, 100m backstroke, 200m breaststroke and 4x100m medley relay.
Beyond the glitzy lights and camera flashes, however, lay the controversy between the 18-year-old and the Singapore Swimming Association that has been raging over the past few days.
The current debate over national sports associations taxing their athletes was ignited on Monday.
Tao Li had expressed unhappiness that of the 15 per cent levy on MAP winnings by the SSA, 6 per cent would go to youth development.
But the teenager was her usual chirpy self, and showed no signs of unhappiness.
When asked about the topic of levies, Mr Teo said he supported the NSAs' stance.
He said: 'All the athletes and the NSAs do know that it is not a single person's effort.
'So I think it is quite fair for the NSAs to come to an agreement with the athletes...to put aside some of what they have received from the MAP back into the NSA, so that the others who have contributed to this success can also benefit from it...and also to develop other athletes to carry on with this success.'
