Category: Sports

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia’s women’s squash champion S. Sivasangari is inching closer to the world’s top 10 after climbing two places to 11th in the world rankings.

The 25-year-old, who recently won the inaugural London Classic Squash Tournament earlier this month, has accumulated 535 points according to the official website of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.

This marks her career-best ranking in the sport after previously being in 13th position.

At the London Classic Squash Tournament, the Kedah-born player made headlines by defeating world number one Nour El Sherbini of Egypt (quarterfinal), world number four Nele Gilis of Belgium (semifinal), and world number two Hania El Hammamy of Egypt (final).

Two other Malaysian female players, Rachel Arnold (275 points) and Aifa Azman (228 points), are ranked 28th and 36th, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ainaa Amani remains in 58th place, while Yasshmita Jadish Kumar moved up one spot to 72nd based on the latest rankings.

Source: BERNAMA News Agen
cy

KUALA LUMPUR, After going through a game of footgolf, one should realise how non-strenuous and laid-back it is, a great fun get-together with friends while you perspire by briskly walking the 18-hole golf course.

Footgolf combines two of the most popular sports in the world, football and golf, where your legs are the golf clubs, and you kick the size-five football to the designated hole in as few tries as possible.

The head of Dynamic Eagle Footgolf Club Development Program (DEFG) Muhammad Rozaimi Abdul Kadir Jelani said to play, one does not need to be a skilled football player, but the skills would still help to make excellent kicks.

In terms of attire, he said one would have to don sports attire for ease of movement and also to respect the dress codes some golf clubs might have, while studded shoes are not allowed, only futsal shoes or shoes that don’t damage the green and fairway.

‘For a start, it is alright to put on futsal, turf or sport shoes, but for safety, the advisable footwear is turf shoes e
specially when it rains and when entering a tournament, one has to adhere to turf shoes and collared shirts,’ he told Bernama recently.

According to Muhammad Rozaimi, footgolf is played by six in a team to make up a complete flight, and each ball is then kicked to its destination, a hole at the end of the course.

He said the tee-off is a pivotal starting point where the ladies’ tee-off is nearer to the hole than male participants, and the same is the golf rule.

Meanwhile, the terms used in golf, are also utilised in footgolf, for instance, birdie, a shot below par; eagle, two shots below par; and boogie, a shot above par.

‘Cost-wise, it is evenly divided amongst the players, it would amount to less than RM40, with the option to rent out size five football for RM10 and lockers to keep valuable items for safekeeping.

‘Imagine there’s six in a flight, and the total cost for the whole team is RM200. One player would come out with RM30 for a game that lasts about three hours,’ he said.

Muhammad Rozaimi said
The Club at Bukit Utama, Damansara, offers an excellent location for foot golfers in the Klang Valley,’ adding that another location offering footgolf in Klang Valley is Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam.

He said those two locations pull a different crowd because the one in Bukit Jelutong is available during the day while The Club offers footgolf to be played at night with floodlights.

The other locations for footgolf courses in Malaysia would be Kuala Ibai, Terengganu; Desaru, Johor; and Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Muhammad Rozaimi said in Asia, Japan is the country that started footgolf and the sport is gaining ground in Malaysia during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020.

He said last year, Malaysia participated in the World Cup USA in Orlando, United States and was ranked eighth in the world out of 42 teams.

“There are not many development programmes and there is no much promotion of this sport, it is probably known among friends,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SEREMBAN, Former head coach of PDRM FC Azzmi Ab Aziz has been appointed as the new head coach of Negeri Sembilan FC with effect from February 15.

NSFC in a statement said the 49-year-old coach was chosen to replace K. Devan whose contract expired in December last year.

“With his extensive experience in the local football arena, this appointment is right for the team. He has proven to be a competent coach and would be able to take the team to a higher level,” according to the statement.

Azzmi coached the Negeri Sembilan FC President’s Cup squad for three seasons (2020 – 2022) before moving to PDRM FC.

He has also served as an assistant coach with Kedah Darul Aman FC for two seasons in 2017 and 2018.

“Azzmi’s commitment to the development of local players is also an important factor as he will focus on the development of local talents in the squad and take them to a higher level in the local football arena,” it said.

Meanwhile, Azzmi said the selection of players was made earlier and several PDRM FC play
ers were brought into the team.

“Some old players like Nasrullah Haniff Johan, Barathkumar Ramaloo, Muhammad Afiq Fitri Mohd Jefry and Amirul Hakimi Rosli have been with me before.

“With the support of all parties, God willing we will be able to perform better and get positive results.” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Three Malaysian track cyclists – Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri – have officially qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, to be held from July 23 to Aug 11.

Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said, it was confirmed after the International Cycling Union (UCI) published the track cycling quota for each of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), yesterday.

‘We are very pleased with the composition of the track team in Paris, with Datuk Azizul and Shah Firdaus in both keirin and sprint events, and Nurul Izzah making her debut in both keirin and sprint as well in the biggest sporting event in the world.

‘The track team has a detailed planning all set out for the next three months heading towards the Games, with training at the National Velodrome in Nilai, and thereafter to Europe for a short stint before heading for the track events in Paris, which will be held from Aug 6 to 11,’ he said
in a statement, today.

Last Monday, Amarjit, who is also a member of the UCI Management Committee, said that the three cyclists had unofficially qualified for the Paris Games based on the points and ranking published after the last round of the UCI Track Nations Cup in Milton, Canada.

Malaysia will have four cyclists competing at the Paris Games after Nur Aisyah Zubir secured her place in the road cycling event and was set to create history as the country’s first female road cyclist to compete in the Olympics.

With the latest development, nine Malaysian athletes have officially qualified for the Olympics after diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises, Nur Shazrin Mohd Latif (sailing), Johnathan Wong (shooting), Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi (archery), and Mohamad Aniq Kasdan (weightlifting) confirmed their places earlier.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) believe that woman track cyclist Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri should be included in the Road to Gold (RTG) Fast Track programme after she had officially confirmed her ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

MNCF deputy president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said that would help to fully develop the 22-year-old’s potential to challenge the world’s best riders at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28).

He said Nurul Izzah Izzati, who confirmed her maiden appearance in the 2024 Paris Olympics from July 23 to Aug 11 in both the keirin and sprint events, can maximise her capability with the right support and training.

‘I am not going to put pressure on her for the Paris Games. This is her first outing, so we need to be more practical and she still has a lot of potential.

‘Her inclusion under the Fast Track programme would be excellent. Although she may not be a medal contender (in Paris), she needs to be included under the Fast Track programme because o
ur focus should be four years down the road, rather than two months (to Paris),’ he told Bernama.

Amarjit said although the ‘Pocket Rocketwoman’ didn’t win a medal at the recent International Cycling Union (UCI) Nations Cup in Milton, Canada, she still defied the odds to qualify for the Olympics with a splendid performance to advance to the second round to finish eighth overall.

Nurul Izzah Izzati’s two-gold feat in women’s keirin and 500m time trial events at the Asian Track Cycling Championship in New Delhi in February also helped in her qualification for Paris 2024.

Earlier, Amarjit announced that Nurul Izzah Izzati, together with men’s track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom have officially qualified for the Paris Games.

The RTG Fast Track programme was established in February to develop promising athletes aged between 16 and 25 who have the potential to win medals at LA28.

Squash players Ng Eain Yow, S. Sivasangari, Aifa Azman and Aira Azman as well as divers
Bertrand Rhodict Lises and Enrique Maccartney Harold have been listed in the Fast Track programme.

Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria congratulated the track cycling trio for their Paris 2024 qualification.

‘I believe (that) with their experience and determination, both Datuk Azizulhasni and Shah Firdaus will do their best to contribute medals for Malaysia.

‘As for Nurul Izzah, our young future cyclist, I am happy she managed to qualify. I take this opportunity to extend best wishes to them in their preparation ahead of the Olympics,’ he said in a statement.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA, The national squad going for the Thomas Cup 2024 in Chengdu, China have been urged to play their respective roles and build team spirit to regain the coveted trophy.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the spirit of cooperation shown by the squad of 1992 was the key to Malaysia’s success 32 years ago.

“I hope both the men’s and women’s squads (Uber Cup) will play their respective roles in the championship, and the most important thing is teamwork. They have to fight hard because the Thomas Cup is very important for sports fans in the country.

“They have to do their best. Chance or no chance, I just hope that each player will contribute their part, that’s most important. They cannot just think about themselves; that’s the spirit we saw in the 1992 team when they played,” she said.

She told reporters this when met after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the industry on the implementation of Gig Technical and Vocational Educa
tion and Training (TVET) at Menara KBS here today.

Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur and since then the closest they came to lifting the trophy was finishing runners-up four times – in 1994 (Jakarta), 1998 (Hong Kong), 2002 (Guangzhou) and 2014 (New Delhi).

For this Thomas Cup, Malaysia will be represented by Lee Zii Jia, Leong Jun Hao, Cheam June Wei and Justin Hoh in singles and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei and Muhammad Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian in doubles.

Malaysia, drawn in Group D, will open their campaign against Hong Kong on Saturday, before taking on Algeria the following day and Denmark on April 30 to wind up their group matches.

Earlier, at the MoU signing ceremony, KBS took a step forward in implementing pilot programmes through collaboration with five strategic partners to empower youths and boost the employability of TVET students and the Gig Economy.

Hannah said at the initial stage, KBS would focus on eight skills areas, namely Sports
Technology; Fashion and Automotive Apparel; Hospitality; Automotive; Photography and Information Technology; Cosmetology; as well as Electrical and Mechanical.

The pilot effort is expected to benefit 2,000 students and 3,000 youths nationwide.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, National men’s professional player, Cheam June Wei described the national team as having its own advantage in the first round match against Hong Kong at the 2024 Thomas Cup tournament which will take place in Chengdu, China, on Saturday.

He said the training camp that had been running at the Badminton Academy of Malaysia (BAM) in Bukit Kiara about three weeks ago helped their preparation especially in terms of team spirit.

June Wei, 27, who left BAM to go solo in 2021 could not hide his excitement in his return to use the complete facilities provided by the academy.

“Malaysia has the advantage if you look at the lineup ranking, so just keep focus and don’t think too much. There is a very positive atmosphere in the activities (at BAM).

“Even with Wong Choong Hann who is former BAM singles coaching director and now Hong Kong men’s singles coach, I don’t think their team spirit is stronger than us because Malaysia excels in team spirit ,” he told reporters at ABM here today.

Asked if he is re
ady to meet either Chan Yin Chak (92nd in the world) or Jason Gunawan (95th in the world), June Wei who is currently ranked 63rd in the world said he is not at all afraid to meet them.

He added that besides participating in team tournaments and representing the country, they can improve their careers as professional players.

“For us independent players, competing in major tournament can impress our sponsors so we can expand our career,” said June Wei who is now injury free.

BAM listed Lee Zii Jia, Leong Jun Hao, Cheam June Wei, Justin Hoh, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Muhammad Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian to take on the country’s challenge in the 2024 Thomas Cup and the team was drawn into Group D with European champions who are also 2016 champions Denmark, Hong Kong and Algeria.

The Thomas Cup will take place from April 27 to May 5

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, The Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) introduction of a lucrative incentive scheme to reward players, will serve as an inspiration and motivation to players representing the country in the 2024 Thomas Cup competition in Chengdu, China said team captain Soh Wooi Yik.

Wooi Yik who partners Aaron Chia in the men’s doubles competition said however, the goal can only be achieved if all worked together because the Thomas Cup competition is the most prestigious team event in the world.

‘(Rewards?) Naturally rewards and incentives will boost the motivation of players further. I have been watching Thomas Cup action since I was small and the Thomas Cup is a team effort, not a one man show. We win there will be a reward.

‘Bonding (among players) must be good and able to help each other because this tournament does not come often. As for me I will focus on the game we play and not think too much about the rewards,’ he told reporters at the flag handing ceremony for the National Thomas and Uber C
up 2024 teams here today.

The 26-year-old player said together with his partner Aaron and Lee Zii Jia who are the seniors in the squad, it was naturally their responsibility to share their expertise and experience with junior players who will be making their debut in the competition.

‘We go as a team and play as a team, therefore it is important to help each other, not only me, there is Aaron and Zii Jia to help solve problems faced by juniors (if any) because the juniors were previously not within our circle but now they will be with us. So everyone must showcase a spirit of togetherness when competing in the Thomas Cup,’ he said.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria had earlier announced that the BAM was on the right track to offer lucrative incentives to the players if they win the Thomas Cup.

Meanwhile, Wooi Yik said Malaysia has an equal chance when facing Hong Kong in their opening fixture of the Thomas Cup and hoped the men’s doubles can snatch the first p
oint.

Meanwhile, Uber Cup 2024 captain Teoh Mei Xing wants her teammates to value the opportunity that has been given to represent the country.

The BAM has lined up Lee Zii Jia, Leong Jun Hao, Cheam June Wei, Justin Hoh, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Muhammad Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian for the Thomas Cup competition with Malaysia drawn in Group D with Denmark, Hong Kong and Algeria.

In the Uber Cup competition, Malaysia represented by Goh Jin Wei, K. Letshanaa, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman, Wong Ling Ching, Siti Zulaikha Azmi, Go Pei Kee, Tan Zhing Yi, Ho Le Ee and Chan Wen Tse are drawn in Group B together with Thailand, Taiwan and Australia.

The 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup competitions are scheduled in Chengdu, China from April 27 to May 5.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency