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National School Games changes: Trophy for coming in 8th?

Recent changes to the National School Games will see more participants in sport being recognised. But does giving out broad-based awards blunt the competitive edge and the drive for excellence in sport?

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Rafael Nadal, at 1.85m and 85kg, is afraid of the dark, dogs and thunderstorms. On losing, however, the 17-time Grand Slam champion has this to say: "Losing is not my enemy… Fear of losing is my enemy."

When his four-year unbeaten streak at the French Open ended in 2009 after a shock fourth-round defeat by world No. 25 Robin Soderling, Nadal said at the post-match press conference: "Sometimes you need a defeat to give value to your victories."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 14, 2019, with the headline National School Games changes: Trophy for coming in 8th?. Subscribe