I REFER to reports on former national table-tennis team coach Liu Guodong and his omission from the nominee list for Coach of the Year.

When the Singapore National Olympic Council announced that there would be no winner for its annual Coach of the Year award, table-tennis fans reacted with indignation and bewilderment.

Despite letters sent by members of the public to the press to express their views and regrets about the decision, the Singapore Table Tennis Association is still vague in its explanation about the matter.

It was reported that Liu left Singapore for personal reasons and is now coach of the Indonesian national table-tennis team. An open inquiry should be conducted into the matter.

A detailed and fair analysis should also be made.

This debacle requires a thorough post-mortem and there are lessons to be learnt from this sad experience.

Firstly, the question needs to be asked: Why did Liu leave Singapore for a country which was unfamiliar to him, especially in terms of its environment, language and culture?

Moreover, he abandoned a team in which he had invested time and passion over a period of time.

Secondly, did Liu leave Singapore for better pay, a better future or for other reasons?

Only he would know the answer.

Nevertheless, the fact remains that Liu trained and steered our women paddlers to their historic silver-medal win at last year's Beijing Olympics.

In this respect, he fulfilled a national goal and achieved glory for the country in a highly competitive table-tennis battle.

Mr Teo Kueh Liang

For more my paper stories click here.