Talents' Epidemic
The SEA games has just ended seemingly on a high note for Singapore. Day in day out, the newspapers, TV, radio has been extensively covering the medals coveted, won and missed. But, sadly, as usual, one group has been left in the cold: the chess players. They shld have gotten used the to chill by now, having braved it starting the day they took up this passion of theirs. Recognition eludes this group of brilliant minds, regardless of their achievements. In school, a place where a reserve in the ever-losing basketball team will hold a higher status than his classmate who won the national title in chess; where a win in the prelims by the soccer team will garner a bigger applause and louder cheer than the chess teams who swept every single championship in the national meet. The spotlight dim the minute one say he from the chess club. How many chess players have shyed away from the qn of what ECA they belong to?Most know who is Lionel Lewis, and recognise him, but how many actually heard of the name Goh Weiming, a most brilliant & talented player since primary school?
Promising, talented and young chess players, there are quite a handful. With the lack of support, the lack of recognition, the inability to hold their heads up high, many become disillusioned. Their efforts went unnoticed. While atheletes trained just a few hrs a day, serious chess players virtually train 18hrs a day, in the toilet, on the bus, during meals, even in their dreams. Yet they were seen as having it easy. As they grow up, many will succumb, abandoning their talents to pursue anything other thing that can possibly give them back a shred of pride, where they can be seen as at least of equal standing with the rest.
Its saddening to see the "demise" of these talents, buried nine feet under the ground, mebbe forever....sigh....
Well, nevertheless, here, I'll like to offer my salutes and respects to the Singapore chess team, for their resilience, their resolution to carry on with their passion. May they reach greater height and one day they be recognised for their efforts and talents.
posted by Ah Loy @ 7:59 PM
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