SINGAPORE: Singapore world champion kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder has been granted deferment from full- time National Service , ( NS ) for about four years, the Ministry of Defence ( MINDEF ) said on Saturday ( Jul 6 ).
Maeder turns 18 this season, and he was scheduled to join the NS in September.
Maeder’s request to postpone his full-time Na was approved by MINDEF, so that it could teach and engage in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY ) granted his application.
” Mr Maeder has met the requirements for long- word postponement, having performed also at higher levels competitions, including the 2022 Eastern Games, as well as the 2023 and 2024 Formula Kite World Championships”, said the Defence Ministry.
The postponement will run through 2028, and Maeder may be enrolled for full-time NS once it is over.
Maeder properly defended his kitefoiling world title in May.  , Next August, the kitefoiler , clinched metal in the men’s fly event at the Sailing World Championships in the Netherlands, confirming a limit area for Singapore at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to the Defense Ministry, “based on MINDEF’s NS plan, deferment may be granted to extraordinary golfers who are deemed to be possible Olympic Games award victors for Singapore,” according to the Ministry of Defense.
” Each situation is evaluated in conversation with MCCY.”
Maeder is expected to “focus on his planning” for the 2028 Olympic Games while he is deferred and join step performance goals, according to the article.
He will also be required to get both MCCY and MINDEF’s assent to take part in any paid actions, including corporate sponsorships.