by Maureen Koh

EMBRACE all who can help us compete in world-class leagues - never mind if they are born in Singapore or abroad, I say.

However, a few Singaporeans we interviewed yesterday disagreed.

Having 'Singapore blood' is important, said Mr Alex Tan. He believes that even if Singapore had won the gold medal last night, there is no reason to feel any pride.

'The true Singapore blood does not flow in any of the three players,' declared Mr Tan, 26, who helps run his family's fruit shop in Ang Mo Kio.

But what is 'Singapore blood'? Is it the blood of parents who are both Singaporeans that is passed to their children?

Or is it the passion one feels for the country, flowing through our veins?

If the latter, then surely foreigners too can acquire attachment and loyalty to Singapore over time. They too might learn to love Singapore dearly.

For this reason, we should embrace foreigners as they help us to join world-class leagues. They put us in the finals of Olympic competitions.

Mr Tan argued: 'I'd accept it if the coach is from China and he trained a winner who is a true-blue Singaporean.'

Mr Nick Do, 30, a senior assistant engineer, begs to differ, like 9 in 10 of those interviewed.

'As long as the players know in their hearts that they represent Singapore, the origin of their nationality should not matter,' he said.

Mr Alan Chong, 29, an export officer said: 'Where they are from is not important, it's who they are now, and who they're playing for. They have given up their former nationality and have become Singaporeans.

'If they can take us to world class standards, why do we belittle their worth?'

Their drive to succeed for their adopted country is what counts for the majority.

Get past the mental barrier, said Ms Helen Yeo. She argues that we should be proud that 'this little red dot has made a mark on the world competition map.'

If we keep clinging to old ideas, we'll forever be playing in a kampung league, she said.

'They have accepted it, so why can't we? Must we keep harping on the fact they were not born here?'

- Ms Phoebe Lee, 40, quality assurance officer

'The most important thing is, Singapore has won a medal after 48 years.'

- Mr Poh Ghim Seng, 54

'It's been so long, does it matter? The girls are going all out to win a medal for Singapore.'

- Miss Cathefrina Chee, 28, administrative assistant

'We have to start somewhere and since we don't have the talent now, it's okay to depend on others. But we should not think that money can buy medals.'

- Mr Harry Chang, 32, swimming instructor

'China has so many talented players. The players know that if they want to make it, they have to leave the country.

- Miss Jael Teo, 30, teacher

'They deserve respect for bringing back an Olympic medal.'

- Mr Tan Jia Hui, 18

'It's definitely fine if having 'imported players' means we can improve our national standard for now. It'll only become unacceptable if we continue to use 'imported players' as a tool to winning.'

- Mr Ming Hui, 20, full-time national serviceman

'If anything should bother us, it's how they play the game - whether they did it with their full commitment or not.'

- Mr Andy Ding, 26, an airforce officer

'If Yao Ming can play for the US in the NBA, why can't these girls play for us?'

- Mr Oh Boon Lee, 30, construction supervisor