The employability of today’s athletes in the scheme of things

NOT everyone is blessed with the world-beating talents of Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Datuk Nicol Ann David, Datuk Shalin Zulkifli, Datuk Pandelela Rinong, Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Al-Jufferi Jamari.

They belong to the elite few Malaysians who conquered the world in their respective disciplines, allowing sports scribes to occupy their column inches with superlatives each time the champions climbed the podium.

And when they lose, we share their agony in defeat.

While four of the aforementioned names have called it a day and gradually transitioning into normal citizens with a successful past, Azizul and Pandelela are primed for a last hurrah in the Paris Olympics in 2024.

But often we fail to see their needs as a human, as we are often obscured by the blinding glare of their sporting achievements.

The requirements placed on world-class athletes in these times are such that they need to dedicate themselves more and more to achieving excellence, with little time left to develop other aspects of their lives outside their sport.

Unlike their counterparts from football who earn relatively good salaries, athletes are far from being financially independent once they retire.

Without the assistance of the Youth and Sports Ministry and various agencies such as the National Sports Council (NSC) and National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb), the unfortunate ones may continue to rely on Government handouts long after they call it a day.

Hence the need for today’s athletes to perform a dual career in preparing for post-retirement pathway.

NSC launched a programme to prepare athletes for life after their sport careers in 2016 called Malaysian Athlete Career and Education (MACE), aimed at preparing a post-sports pathway for athletes, covering various aspects such as education, careers (in workforce) as well as entrepreneurship.

MACE has an understanding with institutions of higher education, government linked companies and the Police and Armed Forces from a career perspective in addition to financial institutions such as SME Bank and Mara for funding of entrepreneurship.

“In Malaysia we are fortunate because we have the Ministry and agencies like the NSC and the National Sports Institute (NSI) to provide the much-needed support in terms of financial support and support services.

“But an athlete must realise life does not revolve around sports. In life’s journey, it is important to do things at the right time, which requires good planning and preparation for the future.”

This gentle reminder came from former tenpin bowling queen, Shalin, now head of MACE.

“They must think of winning in the long run as well, as it means preparing for adult life by getting an education, which provides future job and financial security.”

Shalin offers a word of caution to the present batch of athletes, by highlighting the fact the NSC’s entire financial outlay is reliant upon the Federal annual budget.

“When NSC’s budget fluctuates, there is no guarantee you will be getting what you earn today the next time, even if you perform on merit,” said Shalin.

Citing herself as an example, Shalin said: “I furthered my studies, did my degree, ventured into business, all the while trying to preserve my position as a top bowler. It was a struggle but I was thinking of my future.”

Some of the present batch, unfortunately, think their lives revolve around sports alone.

“Some of us are guilty of putting sport ahead of everything else, when in fact it is just a part of our lives.

“So, by having multiple pursuits, we create a safety net for the future. My fellow bowlers may aim to pursue a career in coaching, but how many of us can make it right to the top?” asked Shalin, who is deputy chef-de-mission for the SEA Games in Cambodia next month.

Shalin wants the present batch of athletes to change their mindset.

“In the past, there have been instances of MACE organising a few courses but few bothered to turn up.

“They seem to be disinterested in what they future holds. They are too preoccupied with the present,”

The future employability in young athletes and the importance of dual career skills development must be impressed upon them.

Have a blessed Aidilfitri!