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JULY 22 – What do you think of Ben Davis? Who? A few weeks ago, no one had any opinion on the 17-year-old Singaporean footballer based in the United Kingdom. But today, it seems everyone is doing it.
Davis signed a professional contract with Fulham F.C. which made him one of the few professional footballers in Singapore and the only one to be based in a leading international league.
It must be said that he does not play for Fulham's first team, but he makes regular appearances. -18 and under 23.
Given the competitiveness of the English Premier League and the fact that it is only 17 years old, these are major achievements.
But there is a problem. Davis is 17 years old and Singaporean. Therefore, like all Singaporean men of this age, it must serve the 2.5 years of compulsory national military service.
Now 2.5 years is a long time out of someone's life and career, but by the time he just established himself at The Football Club, a two-year hiatus and more will stop significantly his development as a player.
Davis and his family requested a postponement of his responsibility for the National Service (NS), but his application was rejected last week. Ministry of Defense that has the final say on these issues
The Ministry stated that "it would not be fair to approve delay requests for individuals to pursue their own careers and their development . "
He added that the postponements are exceptionally rare and actually granted only to those who could win medals for Singapore.
Now this answer has divided our already rather tiny nation into two.
There are those who believe that the decision is an outrage. What compels Davis to serve his NS at a crucial point in his career crushes his dreams and any chance that Singapore has to produce a world-class footballer.
But there are those who think that allowing Davis to postpone his NS is simply unfair. That millions of Singaporean men serve regardless of their dreams, achievements and goals.
So many other Singaporean footballers and sportsmen have served, so why should Davis be different?
Personally, I am in the "wrong decision"
Singapore is not at war. And having a Singaporean Premier League or even having a real chance to play in the Premier League is a national service in itself.
As long as he committed to the national team, what he did (he replied (19659006) In this context, a postponement of the initial period of his contract with a re-examination once the contract is completed seems to be the right thing to do.
Although the Department of Defense argued that only the most outstanding athletes should be suspended, a position in a league club Major is exceptional, as no Singaporean has done before.
Also, the ministry claims to only consider potential medalists, how will we know if Davis has the potential to take our team to quarrel? medal (at least at the regional level) if we do not give him this chance
While I sympathize with the frustrations of so many Singaporean men who do I consider that the policy is too rigid.
understand that allow carryovers for sports and make s dreams can lead to rampant abuse, but Davis's case seems exceptional.
The argument that only a handful of referrals have been given in the past do not hold much water because it is unclear whether it is a successful policy.
Singapore is currently in an unseemly position in the FIFA World Ranking. Croatia with a similar population and fewer resources has just finished second in the World Cup. Maybe our policy (maybe many of our policies) is just wrong?
More flexibility and room for maneuver is clearly needed. Joseph Schooling, a national inspiration and idol after winning the Olympic gold in the 100-meter butterfly swimming men's competition has successfully deferred his NS.
Education spoke in favor of Davis' postponement and encouraged the footballer to follow his dreams. But in this case, following his dreams and staying at the club without a postponement will not only lead him to lose his citizenship, but also to be considered a criminal in Singapore.
Davis must therefore choose between his country, his family and his career and goals
This is not a decision that someone who is young, talented, clearly trying very hard and who is already playing at a high level should have to do
* This is the personal opinion of the chronicler.
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