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Winning at what cost? More children getting hurt amid growing pressure to excel in youth sports

Published July 8, 2026 at 6:51 PM UTC

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In Singapore, the pursuit of excellence in youth sports has led to a concerning rise in injuries among young athletes. Experts have observed an increase in children and teenagers experiencing persistent aches and pains due to sports-related activities. Dr. Mohammad Ashik, a senior consultant at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, attributes this trend to children starting sports at younger ages and focusing on a single sport without diversification. This specialization can lead to overuse injuries, which develop over time due to repetitive actions or stress on the bones and muscles. The National Athletic Trainers' Association in the United States has issued recommendations urging parents to monitor their children's involvement in a single sport, suggesting that children should not specialize in one sport for more than eight months a year and should take at least two days off each week for rest. In Singapore, the emphasis on sports excellence has intensified, with private coaching becoming more prevalent. Parents often invest in private coaching to enhance their children's chances of gaining admission into top secondary schools through the Direct School Admissions (DSA) scheme. However, this increased focus on competition and high-intensity training regimes has raised concerns among educators and coaches. They warn that such pressure can lead to overtraining, burnout, and a loss of interest in the sport. The primary goal should be to ensure that children enjoy sports and develop a healthy relationship with physical activity, rather than solely focusing on winning and academic advantages.