Sports - Talent or money or recommendation?

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My friends aim is to be a National team member, hockey. Every one is discouraging one need to be rich to bribe up them to get into the team. How far is this true, I am encouraging her to practice well neglecting others comments about selection process of team members. We are still teens and I hope this is the age to practice well and if we have talent anyone will be obsorbed. Am I doing wrong encouraging her though she is not that rich? Should I ask her to put efforts on studies?