The Singapore sepak takraw imbroglio is continuing.
On 17 December, current President of the Singapore Sepak Takraw Federation (Perses) issued a statement to media outlets, which mostly repeated most points which had already been made to the media in previous statements.
However, one part of the six-paragraph statement perhaps highlighted Perses decided to issue an update.
He said in the statement, “PERSES has been the National Sports Association (NSA) for the sport of Sepaktakraw in Singapore and will continue to be so as it enjoys the support and backing of not just the athletes but the broader Sepak Takraw community.
“Any attempts in the interim to usurp the position of PERSES as the NSA for the sport of Sepaktakraw in Singapore will be resisted vigorously.”
See full statement here.
Sources have informed TMSG that Nasri and Perses decided to issue the statement to put on notice another group which has suddenly appeared to state that they are keen to be recognised as the new NSA for the sport in Singapore with support from 10 clubs.
Nasri did not respond to any follow up emails.
On 15 December, former national coach Salim Marican said in a Straits Times interview that he had made a submission to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to register the Confederation Sepak Takraw Singapore (CSS), a new sepak takraw body which is also aiming to be recognised by the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF).
It was not stated which 10 clubs were behind the move and for the record, PERSES has a total of 26 full membership clubs and another 18 associate members, a grand total of 44 clubs and support from 10 clubs does not represent a majority at all in any way.
Salim stood against Nasri at the elections for office bearers in October, and lost.
At that point of the challenge, Nasri and his secretary-general Zahid Abdul Aziz were already facing suspensions from the Asian body.
So Salim had no issues challenging Nasri at the elections for office bearers but now feels compelled that he should set up another NSA for sepak takraw?
One cannot help but wonder if there is a hidden hand behind the shenanigans affecting sepak takraw in Singapore.
Until it is resolved amicably by all parties, it is imperative that Sport Singapore cuts all funding to PERSES (if any is still flowing) and that the ROS does not unnecessarily give a new set of keys to another group to gain recognition.
The athletes should well be looked after by a special committee which ensures that their needs are met, without any disruptions to any upcoming major events.
The personalities behind the total annihilation of sepak takraw in Singapore should well be ashamed of themselves and the bitter embarrassment their actions are bringing to the community.
Sepak takraw has often been regarded as a “kampung sport” in many quarters when compared to the likes of aquatics and football.
The actions of the people involved in the sport which had led its current state perpetuates that branding, unfortunately.
MAIN PHOTO: PERSES