Thanks for the link. A Sydney junior is competing in the U13 event.
I couldn't believe the increase in the lease from 100K to 1mil!
What will happen to badminton development there???
I think the SBA has been enjoying very low rents in the past because of connections. Now that the lease is up, I suppose the authorities are asking for commercial rates. Many other recreation clubs, especially the golf clubs, have been paying hefty rentals, once their leases have expired since 5 or more years ago.
Land values and rentals have gone up substantially during the past year, no thanks to the IR (Integrated Resorts comprising casinos, hotels, meetings and exhibition centres, amusement parks, etc) projects that have started the rush. Private properties will continue to remain strong in prices although the government has introduced policies recently to dampen expectations, especially in the public housing sector.
Badminton development in Singapore, as I see it, will remain a core sport. In fact now we have a number of new entrants to the badminton scene which specialize in coaching and training. Recent age-group tournaments seem to be popular and well attended. The Sports Council is encouraging and promoting a viable sports industry as one of its objectives.
Early next year, the SBA will move to the Sports School which is up-to-date with physical and services facilities. When the Singapore Sports Hub in Kallang is ready by 2010? the SBA is expected to move to a more permanent location there. There will be a new indoor stadium with seating capacity of around 3,000.
I see Singapore Badminton growing in strength.
Sad to hear the nonsense from SBA again on partnering issue.