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DATO MANJIT’S JOY AS TOP HOCKEY NATIONS EYED FOR SOJC 2021

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JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 20 – Johor Hockey Association president, Dato Majid Manjit Abdullah is one happy man with the government’s easing of restrictions and giving the sports industry breathing space from next year – which augurs well for international meets in the country.
The annual Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) this year had to be canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic which played havoc in the sporting world.
Hockey fans in the country are in for a treat for the 10th edition of the annual Under-21 International tournament which had to be called off due to the strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) imposed by the government.
Manjit, who was elected unopposed as JHA president in October also revealed that the coming SOJC will be an eight nation meet – a first for the tournament since it was inaugurated in 2011.
Five teams – Great Britain, India, Australia, Japan and host Malaysia have already been confirmed while replies are awaited from hockey giants Germany, Belgium and Spain. Egypt is on the standby list.
”I believe it will be the best SOJC since its inauguration and we are keeping our fingers crossed that the pandemic will ease off so that the borders can be opened for international traveling,” said Manjit, a pillar in organizing the tournament that features on the FIH calendar.
One of the most sought junior tournament, it is the only Under-21 meet that is held annually. Teams have been knocking on the doors to be invited but due to logistics, it has been a six-nation invitational tournament.
Next year’s SOJC has been scheduled for Sept 4-12 and the venue is none other than the world class Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, Johor Bahru on the outskirts of the city.
The stadium was also the venue where the 2009 Junior World Cup final was played.
If Spain or Belgium agree to compete, it will be first for both teams while Egypt has made numerous requests to be invited.
Germany came in 2012 and returned home as champions after a 3-2 win over India in extra time.
Defending champions Great Britain also won in 2015 and 2018. India won twice in 2013 and 2014 – same as Australia who won in 2016 and retained the title in 2017.
For the record, Malaysia engraved their name as the inaugural champions after defeating Australia 3-2 in extra time in 2011.
The SOJC is the brainchild of two royalties – present King, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (who was then the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang) and Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

SELANGOR NOT IN TMJ’S LIST OF CHALLENGERS

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PETALING JAYA, Dec 19 – Kedah, Terengganu and Pahang – these are the teams which was picked by Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) owner, HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim as his club strongest challengers for the new season.
Many would have thought 33-time Malaysia Cup champions, Selangor would have been one of the picks by the Johor Crown Prince when he replied to a question posed to him during a talk show that was telecast live recently.
When asked for his choice, Tunku Ismail said: “I have my reasons. I have no problems with the team (Selangor). It’s just there are certain individuals in the management who have irked me…but that’s my personal view.”
Selangor hit the limelight in September when the Red Giants slumped to a 6-1 defeat  to JDT which led to the sacking of head coach, B. Satiananthan.
It was not the defeat that led to Satiananthan’s exit but the work of the hidden hands that operate in the Selangor FA.
Tunku Ismail said Kedah is always a tough team to play.
“Despite the problems faced off the pitch, the Kedah players kept their composure and played good football. They showed consistency.”
Terengganu earned praise from the JDT supremo who was once headed the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and was also the chairman of the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
“I am impressed with Terengganu’s football structure apart from the team’s good performance. Terengganu gave us a tough time when we played them and nearly lost the match (in Kuala Terengganu).
“‘They also have a good coach (in Nafuzi Zain), disciplined players and good facilities. I expect Terengganu to be in better shape next season.”
Football fans will remember that over the years, Pahang has always given JDT a run for their money and Tunku Ismail remembers that well and hence his pick as strong contenders.
The Elephants had off-field problems and their ace in the pack Mohamadou Sumareh deserted the team when the league resumed over salary issues.
Head coach Dollah Salleh was also saddled with massive injury problems to his players.
“Our past matches against Pahang have always been touch and go affair. It’s really tough going against Pahang when JDT plays them,” added Tunku Ismail.
Coming back to Selangor, it is anyone’s guess for the real reasons for not being on the list of title contenders.
For the record, JDT has established themselves as the kingpins of Malaysian football and won their seventh Malaysian Super League title since 2014.
The Southern Tigers also won the Malaysia Cup last year.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s FA Cup and the Malaysia Cup were canceled.

JUNIOR BADMINTON: AVENGERS TOO STRONG FOR TERMINATORS

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 – Junior Avengers pulled off a stunning surprise victory when they beat Junior Terminators 8-4 to confirm their status as the champions of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Junior Mixed Team Youth Championship in Bukit Kiara today.

Led by captain Jacky Kok Jing Hong, Junior Avenger took the lead through Chan Wen Tse-Siti Zulaikha Azmi who defeated Adiyna Anuar-Ong Xin Yee 15-9, 13-15, 15-12.

But Junior Terminators bounced back to take a 2-1 lead through Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin in the mixed doubles when they beat Jacky Kok-Go Pei Kee 15-13, 14-15, 15-8 before Muhammad Faiq Haziq-Owen Low defeated Chee Hong Wei-Lee Yen Wei 14-15, 15-8, 15-14.

However, Junior Avengers were not about to be denied as they went on to bag six points to take a 7-2 lead.

They won three points through the men singles – Eogene Ewe Eon who beat Dylan Ooi 13-15, 15-11, 15-12 to be followed by V. Poopathi who overcame Muhammad Fazriq Mohd Razif 9-15, 15-3, 15-11 and Jan Jireh Lee who defeated Kee Is Qian 15-5, 15-13.

Two more points were taken through the women singles – Siti Nurshuhaini Azman and Chan Wen Tse – while the remaining point was contributed by the men doubles pair of Beh Chun Meng-Liew Xun who won over Bryan Jeremy-Muhammad Haikal Hanafi 15-12, 15 -14.

Ong Xin Yee and Muhd Faiq Haziq pulled up to 4-7 for Junior Terminators as Cheng Su Hui-Go Pei Kee then secured the remaining point when they beat Lee Xin Jie-Oh Jia Qi 15-9, 15-7 for the final 8-4 result in favor of Junior Avengers.

The win put Junior Avengers and Junior Terminators on the same two points from two matches played but were differentiated by the number of sets won in all matches.

“I gave the chance for everyone to play and contribute. They were given space to choose which event they want to play,” said Jacky.

“The match was 50-50 because I know the opponent would also be out to make sure that they maintain their winning pace. But the truth was that I was not even thinking about the title. Winning the championship was unexpected.”

On the other hand, the third spot in the BAM Junior Mixed Team Championship went to Junior Transformers who scored a 7-5 victory over Junior Dominators.

With Ong Ken Yon in the captaincy, it was Junior Dominators who dominated the start when they raced to a 4-0 lead through Goh Boon Zhe-Low Yeen Yuan (mixed doubles) and Carmen Ting-Oo Shan Zi (women doubles) among others.

Aaron Tai fought back to give the first point for Junior Transformers after his 15-9, 15-14 win over Ayu Fu Sheng to be followed by the second point from Kok Jia Cheng-Wan Muhammad Arif Wan Junaidi who defeated Goh Boon Zhe-Wong Vin Sean 15-12, 8- 15, 15-11 for the score to stand at 2-4.

Carmen Ting then restored Junior Dominators advantage at 5-2 after beating Yi Wei Lim 15-9, 15-4.

However, the match was not yet over as Junior Transformers then went on a rampage to bag the remaining five points.

Two points were scored by the men’s singles – Justin Hoh who beat Chia Jeng Hon 15-13, 11-15, 15-12 and Low Han Chen who overcame Ferdinan Ramno 15-12, 15-12.

The next two points came from the women singles – Tan Zhing Hui defeated Oo Shan Zi 15-13, 15-11 and Khor Jing Wen overcame Tan Zhing Yi 13-15, 15-10, 15-8 to complete the 7-5 win for Junior Transformers.

“All the players gave their best today and fought hard. Even though, we were third, the players showed a lot of fire in their game.

“As the captain, I need to be careful with the emotions of the players and make sure they get to play. It was a good experience for me on how to play as a team,” said Junior Transformers captain Justin Hoh.

 

PORTUGAL STINT FAILS AND SAFAWI IS COMING BACK

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 – He went with high hopes of taking his football to a higher level and a possible lucrative playing career in Europe but it turned out to be a flop.
National striker Safawi Rasid is returning home to renew his footballing links with seven-time Malaysian Super League champions, Johor Darul Takzim (JDT).
The Dungun-born Safawi left the Southern Tigers hours after helping the Johor outfit clinch their seventh successive Super League title with a brace in a 4-1 win over Sabah at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Johor Bahru on Oct 2.
He was loaned for one season to Portugal’s Primeira Liga side, Portimonense SC but he could well be returning home without playing a match with the Portuguese club. It is considered a big flop.
Hubmedia previous report on Safawi’s Portugal stint.

JDT club owner HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the Crown Prince of Johor, confirmed that Safawi will be ”100 percent returning to play for JDT next season” during a talk show on local television on Thursday.

“Yes. Safawi will be playing for JDT next season…he is coming back,” said Tunku Ismail without giving more details.
Much was said and written about Safawi on his Portugal stint but his abrupt return has left many question marks.
His failure to get any playing time with Portimonense SC although he was on the bench on a few occasions and it did not goes down well with his fans who took to social media to voice their frustration and disappointment.
For them, Safawi did not get the treatment he deserved with Portimonense.
Right now his once in a lifetime opportunity has disappeared into thin air but JDT and the national team can count on Safawi to deliver.
Safawi will have to learn from his failed mission.
Once again only time will tell if the talented striker known for his deadly left foot is good enough to make forays into the foreign leagues either in Asia or Europe.

JUNIOR TERMINATORS CONTINUES TO RULE THE COURT

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 – Junior Terminators stamped their authority on the second day of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Junior Mixed Team Championship when they scored their second win in two matches after defeating Junior Transformers 8-4 today.

Led by Ong Zhen Yi, Junior Termintors were a more motivated side following their fabulous win yesterday as they took a 3-0 lead through mixed doubles pair of Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Hui, the men doubles of Kang Khai Zing-Muhd Faiq and women doubles Adiyna Anuar-Ong Xin Yee.

Junior Transformers tried to gain ground through Justin Hoh who defeated Dylan Ooi 15-4, 15-12, but Junior Terminators once again widen the advantage to 5-1 after Muhd Fazriq Mohd Razif strolled over Anson Cheong 15-7, 15-8.

But Junior Transfomers dug deep and they duly collected the next three consecutive points to close up to 4-5.

Starting with Khor Jing Wen-Valeree Siow in the women doubles when they defeated Oh Jia Qi-Siti Nurshuhaini Azman 10-15, 15-8, 15-11 to be followed by Choi Jian Sheng-Wan Muhammad Arif (men doubles) who overcame Jimmy Wong-Muhammad Haikal 15-10, 15-12 and then Low Han Chen’s victory over Muhd Faiq (15-11, 2-15, 13-15 in the men singles category).

However, the Junior Terminators would shut the door on Junior Transformers attempted revival when they picked up the remaining four points to confirm their 8-4 victory.

Kee Is Qian improved on yesterday’s showing to beat Aaron Tai 15-11, 13-15, 15-14 in the men singles as Ong Xin Yee picked up the point in the women singles to coast past Ng Wen Xi 15-4, 15-5.

Adiyna Anuar bounced back from a previous defeat to subdue Tan Zhing Hui 13-15, 15-14, 15-13 while Siti Nurshuhaini Azman ensured the eighth points for Junior Terminators after beating Joanne Ng 15-3, 15-14.

Muhd Fazriq Mohd Razif, who was the hero for Junior Terminators yesterday, was elated with the team’s achievement.

“I lost my first game yesterday to (Ong) Ken Yon as I could not composed myself. Today was a lot better and we are very happy with the support from the team as it pushed all of us to give our best.

“In my match today, I had some difficulty adjusting because of the pressure from the opposing supporters. But after the second set and so on, the confidence level got better,” said Fazriq.

Junior Terminators has now collected 2 points from two matches with Junior Avengers, Junior Transformers on the same 1 point each.

Junior Dominators has yet to pick up a point.

Meanwhile, Junior Avengers kept themselves in the hunt for the top two spots after picking up their first win and first point when they beat Junior Dominators 8-4.

It was an intense first four matches with both teams tied two apiece.

Jacky Kok-Go Pei Kee won the opening point for Junior Avengers after beating Wong Vin Sean-Low Yeen Yuan 15-11, 15-11 but Ferdinan Ramno-Lok Hong Quan then equalised for Junior Dominators following his 15 -8, 15-12 Jan Jireh Lee-Yeow Chun Cher.

Chan Wen Tse-Siti Zulaikha put Junior Avengers back in front after overcoming Carmen Ting-Christine Lam 14-15, 15-7, 15-12 as Junior Dominators again equalised through Rex Hooi Shao Herng’s victory over V Poopathi 15- 14, 15-8.

With the score at 2-2, Junior Avengers hauled in the next six points in a row including through captain Jacky Kok Jing Hong who defeated Ong Ken Yon 15-11, 15-12 in the men singles and then in the women singles with Siti Zulaikha Azmi beating Oo Shan Zi 15-9, 10-15, 15-8.

“We did very well today as a unit. Even though we lost yesterday, we did not despair and continued to fight hard for the win,” said Jacky.

“I made less mistakes today and managed to win the point. For the team, I just wanted the players to play well and look for the experience to get better. Winning or losing is not important.”

JDT IN PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH UNICEF

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JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 17 – Malaysian football kingpins, Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) added another feather in its cap after a landmark partnership with global organization UNICEF to raise funds for the betterment of children in the country.
The partnership described as ”historic” by the JDT club owner, HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim was sealed at the JDT headquarters in Iskandar Puteri in Johor Bahru today.
The Johor Crown Prince added that he is excited for the future of the club as JDT is not only the first in the country but also the first in the region with a global body that has big names like Manchester United and Barcelona on its list.
”Brand awareness also means that JDT’s role is bigger than just a football club. My mentality is different from certain quarters and this partnership is not just dollars and cents but bigger than that.
”I always have ideas that are different from others. JDT is known not only in the football world but also in the commercial world. This is where brand awareness comes into the picture.
“Asset and commercial value of the club (JDT) is very important for the long term. To have them (UNICEF) is an honor and privilege,” said Tunku Ismail, adding the partnership is for one year but “can continue for many more years.”
The Crown Prince made it clear that the partnership will benefit children throughout Malaysia…not just Johor.
UNICEF was represented by its Malaysian representative, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar. Others at the function were JDT’s Mexican coach, Benjamin Mora.
For the record, JDT has won the Malaysian Super League for seven years in a row. The Southern Tigers also won the Malaysia Cup last year.
This year’s Malaysia Cup and the FA Cup were called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
JDT also plays in the AFC Champions League and won the AFC Cup in 2015.
Dr. Rashed hopes this partnership will develop a bigger picture as it will help further increase awareness of the needs of children and ensure every child has the opportunity to grow healthy and happy, live safely, and achieve full potential.

JUNIOR BADMINTON: GOOD START BY TRANSFORMERS AND TERMINATORS

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 – It was a smashing start to the first match day of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Junior Mixed Team Championship as Junior Transformers and Junior Terminators scored their first win in contrasting fashion.

In the matches that were played at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara today, Junior Transformers coast to a comfortable 7-5 win over Junior Avengers as the Junior Terminators were made to work hard for their 7-6 victory over Junior Dominators.

Led by captain Justin Hoh, Junior Transformers grabbed the first point through mixed doubles Wan Muhammad Arif-Valeree Siow who scored a 15-5, 15-12 win over Beh Chun Meng-Go Pei Kee.

But Junior Avengers tied the score at 1-1 when womens doubles pair of Chan Wen Tse-Noraqilah Maisarah overcame Lim Yi Wei-Ng Wen Xi in straight set 15-14, 15-11.

Aaron Tai-Low Han Chen put Junior Transformers back in the lead following their 15-11, 15-7 win over Chee Hong Wei-Muhd Amzar in the men doubles as Eogene Ewe Eon then came back for a 2-2 draw after beating Chua Kim Sheng in three set 8-15, 15-9, 15-9.

However, girls singles Khor Jing Wen and then captain Justin Hoh ensured that Junior Transformers were comfortable with a 4-2 lead after picking up the next two points.

Jing Wen defeated Myisha Mohd Khairul 15-14, 15-12 while Justin beat Junior Avengers captain Jacky Kok Jing Hong 15-10, 8-15, 15-6.

Ja Jireh Lee then narrowed the score to 3-4 for the Junior Avengers after defeating Low Han Chen 14-15, 15-7, 15-10 but Aaron Tai restored the two-point advantage for Junior Transformers 5-3 following his 15-11, 15-8 win over Yeow Chun Cher.

But Junior Avenges did not fold as they fought back for a 5-5 draw with Chan Wen Tse overcame Tan Zhing Hui 15-6, 8-15, 15-14 and then Siti Zulaikha defeated Lim Yi Wei 15-11, 15-12.

Justin Hoh ensured his team took the upper hand at 6-5 when his partnership with Wan Muhammad Arif in the men doubles made short work of Beh Chun Meng-Liew Xun 15-11, 15-11.

Junior Avengers hope then rested on the shoulders of women doubles pair of Cheng Su Hui-Go Pei Kee to tie the score and drag the match to the decider.

But Khor Jing Wen-Valeree Siow was just a tad stronger when they ensured victory for Junior Transformers with a 6-15, 15-14, 15-14 win.

“I told the players – we win together and we lose together. Everyone has given their best today and those who were not in action also gave their support to the whole team,” said Justin.

“I thought that I played quite well in both games, especially in the men singles against Jacky. I tried not to think too much where the focus was more on giving support to the other players and encouraged them.”

In the meantime, there were some fierce competition in the match between Junior Terminators and Junior Dominators.

Junior Terminators were the first on the point through Adiyna Anuar-Ong Xin Yee who defeated Carmen Ting-Oo Shan Zi 12-15, 15-7, 15-10 but Ong Ken Yon-Low Yeen Yuan would tie the score 1-1 for Junior Dominators after beating Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin in three sets 12-15, 15-12, 15-14.

Ferdinan Ramno-Lok Hong Quan put Junior Dominators ahead 2-1 after overcoming Kang Khai Xing-Muhammad Faiq 15-11, 13-15, 15-8.

Ong Zhen Yi, who is also the captain of Junior Terminators, failed to tie the score when he unexpectedly fell 15-11, 13-15, 10-15 to Adam Shaz.

However, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman put Junior Terminators back in contention at 2-3 after overcoming Tan Zhing Yi 15-4, 7-15, 15-8.

But Goh Boon Zhe-Wong Vin Sean restored Junior Dominators’ advantage at 4-2 after beating Jimmy Wong-Muhammad Haikal 11-15, 15-12, 15-14.

Junior Terminators were not giving up yet as they then went on to pick up three points on a trot for them to take a 5-4 lead for the first time in the match.

Cheng Su Yin-Lee Xin Jie in the women doubles, Ong Xin Yee in the women singles and then Muhammad Faiq in the men singles were all on the winning path for Junior Terminators.

Another point came through Adiyna Anuar in the women singles when she beat Yeap Phoi Lin 15-12 15-5 put added Junior Terminators 6-4 in the lead.

However, Junior Dominators captain Ong Ken Yon refused to give up when he fought back to narrow the gap at 5-6 following his 15-12, 11-15, 15-7 win over Muhd Fazriq Mohd Razif.

Ferdinan Ramno then became the savior for Junior Dominators when he beat Kee Is Qian 15-13, 11-15, 15-11 to tie the score at 6-6 and forced the match into the decider.

In the decisive men doubles, the pair of Muhammad Haikal-Muhammad Fazriq made sure of Junior Terminators 7-6 victory after beating Goh Boon Zhe-Wong Vin Sean 11-6, 8-11, 11-2.

“For the deciding match, I asked Haikal to play because he is the deputy captain and he was confident in the men’s doubles. And he choose Muhd Fazriq as his partner.

“Even though I lost (in the men singles) and failed to contribute to the team, it did not discourage the others. In fact, it brought us closer together and where we were more motivated as they continued to encouraged us,” said Zhen Yi.

The second match day tomorrow will see Junior Terminators taking on Junior Transformers while Junior Avengers will face Junior Dominators.

 

SARAWAK SWOOP MAT YO PLUS OTHER BIG NAMES

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Mat Yo opened account for Sarawak United against Perak II.
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 – Sarawak is settling for its own brew to take Sarawak football to new heights – with two of the best football brains in coaching – B. Satianathan as Technical Director and E. Elavarasan, often described as the man with the Midas Touch, as the head coach of Sarawak United for the new season.
ELAVARASAN

The two have already made a headstart – signing up international Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and several other big names, including foreigners, Australian defender Taylor Regan, and Brazilian hitman Sandro Mendonca, both of whom donned Selangor colors in the Covid-19 pandemic curtailed 2020 season.

Both are not new to Satiananthan as the former national coach was unceremoniously dumped by the Red Giants after a 6-1 defeat to Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) in an away league match.
SATIANATHAN

For the record, JDT went on to win their seventh Super League title and days earlier had also whipped Perak 7-1 in the league.

Just like Satiananthan, Selangor also released Regan and Sandro for the new season after signing up a new German coach Karsten Neitzel a close buddy of the Selangor FA’s Technical Director Michael Feichtenbeiner.
Feichtenbeiner was appointed the caretaker coach after Satiananthan.
For the new season, Sarawak has also hired Christie Jayaseelan, R. Gopinathan who donned Petaling Jaya City FC and Pahang colors this year.
However, it is Norshahrul, nicknamed “Mat Yo” in the footballing fraternity, is a big catch for Sarawak. Satiananthan describes him as a “prized asset” in the national team under Tan Cheng Hoe but also to any club. The widely traveled Besut-born Norshahrul’s last club is BG Pathum which plays in the Thai League.
In the Malaysian League, Norshahrul played for Perak, Negeri Sembilan, UPB My Team, Kelantan, JDT, Armed Forces, Terengganu, Felda United, and Pahang where he left his mark with each team before going to Thailand.
He is also a much-respected striker in international tournaments in this region.
”He is inspiring to the young and lived up to that role. After his stint in Thailand, we can count on him to be far better. This is what we want from him in Sarawak as football talent in the state is second to none,” said Satiananthan who is determined to take Sarawak football to greater heights.
“Age is certainly not a factor for Mat Yo. He is still among the best among locals footballers and to me, he is an asset at any level. He is a role model on and off the field. More importantly, he can inspire.
Elavarasan is excited about the latest developments that are taking in Sarawak football and sees plenty of hope in the game after coaching the team this year.
”It is a mixture of youth and experience. Due to the pandemic, I managed to put in only four months of coaching but I see hope for the team. Frankly, I can tell you this…there is plenty of football talent in the state,” said Elavarasan.
”There are already five players who are already seen as future stars in the game. With those recruited with experience means there will be a good blend of Sarawak football in the new season.”
Apart from goalkeeper Saiful Wazizi, the rest are attacking players – Nur Shamie Iszuan, Ashri Chuchu, and Abdul Rahim Abdul Razak are attacking players.
”They are future players of Sarawak who are capable of making the grade with the right coaching and exposure. I know what they can deliver…all they need is playing experience at a higher level.”
In the recent Premier League, Sarawak finished in 10th place in the 12-team league.

‘FLYING SIKH’ STILL HAS THE ENERGY AND FIRE IN RALLY DRIVING

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 – He was promised a monthly pension of RM5,000 by the Sports Ministry sometime in 2005 or 2006 after putting Malaysia on the world map for winning the 2002 FIA Production Car World Rally Championships title.
However, it was another typical Malaysian promise by a politician, probably to gain political mileage.
We have seen many such promises and it was probably another such promise that died a natural death.
The Sports Minister then was Dato Sri Azalina Othman Said under Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s cabinet (2004-2008). There were two deputy Sports Ministers – first Ong Tee Keat and later Liow Tiong Lai.
However, Karamjit Singh – dubbed the ”Flying Sikh” – could see light at the end of the tunnel and may still get the pension if YAKEB president, Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed’s statement for a pension proposal comes through.
Noorul played a role in Karamjit’s meeting with current Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican who has promised the ”Flying Sikh” to secure sponsors that will enable him to race in next year’s Asia Pacific Rally Championships (APRC).
For the record, Karamjit won the APRC titles in 2001, 2002, and 2004 and hopes to compete in the first round scheduled for March 2021.
Reezal has “verbally” agreed to help Karamjit secure the RM3 million needed and the dream come true for the racer to compete in the APRC.
Karamjit was on the verge of becoming an e-hailing driver to sustain his driving.
Before that, Karamjit sold his apartment, three cars and used his EPF money to keep his first love alive.
This went viral and netizens took social media to garner support for the world-renowned rally driver’s financial plight.
Age is not a factor for Karamjit who believes he has another five years or more of rally driving in him and he is determined to put his beloved Malaysia at the forefront of demanding sport. He still has the energy and fire to keep the Malaysian flag flying.

YONEX CONFIRMED AS OFFICIAL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER FOR HSBC BWF WORLD TOUR FINALS

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 – Badminton World Federation (BWF) can announce YONEX as the official equipment supplier for the season-ending HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in Bangkok, Thailand from 27-31 January 2021.

The agreement will see YONEX supply badminton equipment for players, technical officials and the Field of Play.

BWF General Secretary, Thomas Lund, said: “YONEX has been an innovator in the development of badminton equipment and continues to blaze the trail in revolution and technology.

“We are thrilled to have YONEX on board for badminton’s much anticipated return, in particular the staging of our signature event of the season, the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals.”

Meanwhile President of YONEX, Kusaki Hayashida, added: “YONEX looks forward to working with BWF, all athletes and officials so that the wonderfulness and enjoyment of badminton can be experienced again by badminton fans around the world.”

YONEX is also the long-standing official equipment partner of BWF Major Championship.

On the other hand, Bangkok’s badminton extravaganza commences on 12 January 2021 with the YONEX Thailand Open, followed by the TOYOTA Thailand Open on 19 January 2021 – both Super 1000 tournaments – and culminates with the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals from 27-31 January 2021.

The list of athletes qualified for the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals will be confirmed at the
conclusion of the TOYOTA Thailand Open.

The top eight players and pairs for each category in the HSBC BWF Road to Bangkok Rankings will be invited to compete, where only a maximum of 2 players or pairs per Member Association are eligible to participate in the World Tour Finals.

It is mandatory to enter both the YONEX Thailand Open and TOYOTA Thailand Open in order to be eligible to qualify for the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals.

The qualifying tournaments are as follows:
• ECOGREEN Syed Modi International Badminton Championships 2019
• PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2020
• DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2020
• Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters 2020
• Barcelona Spain Masters 2020
• YONEX All England Open 2020
• DANISA Denmark Open 2020
• YONEX Thailand Open 2021
• TOYOTA Thailand Open 2021

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