Singapore finished second in the medals table behind Thailand with their best ever haul of 259 medals, 84 were gold, at the Games.

But some performances did not meet expectations, including Singapore exited the men's football competition with a 1-0 loss to Indonesia.

That led to public criticism of the athletes, despite, Tan claiming, the players always giving their all.

"It got a bit ugly, he said, referring specifically to the football match during an interview posted on the SNOC website.

“As supporters, we need to be mindful that it really takes a lot to compete.

"Good, bad, you have to support.”

"We need to learn to become better supporters, after all, everyone - athletes and supporters - is on the same team: Team Singapore.

“In modern days when you don’t have wars, the athletes are your gladiators fighting and representing your country in a non-bloody way.”

Tan, the Singaporean Minister for Social and Family Development, claimed has a "unifying effect" and is a means of "instilling pride in a nation".

In this way, he saw the Games as a major boost for Singapore shortly before celebrations next month marking 50 years since independence. 

“It gives you a sense of us coming of age as a nation in many ways,” he said.

“It gives it an even more meaningful tone to what we have achieved.

“For a lot of athletes, they also knew that doing it in the 50th year, there was extra motivation.

"They were all very motivated. It provided a richer backdrop that went quite deep for many.

"It did make a difference.”

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