PETALING JAYA, 25 Sept – The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) today announced that the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 will be held from 11 April to 8 May next year following the postponement of the tournament this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This latest decision has been taken with a firm intention to stage the Championship in its full format – played on a home and away basis across the qualifying nations in South East Asia – provided that the conditions relating to Covid-19 allows.

In consultation with the region’s Football Federations and other relevant authorities, the AFF Suzuki Cup Task Force Committee has determined that the above dates work best to accommodate the domestic football schedules, and will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and well-being of all players, coaches, partners, fans and the public.

“We are delighted with the positive support that we have had from our member associations and that we have been able to find a suitable window next year to hold our most highly anticipated tournament.

“While we are well aware that the fight against the global pandemic is not over, we are cautiously optimistic for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 to take place in its full format as we hope to deliver the best of ASEAN in the tournament next year,” said AFF President, Major General Khiev Sameth.

“The AFF also hopes that the announcement of the 2021 tournament dates will provide some clarity in planning for our commercial partners, including sponsors and media broadcasters, at a time of uncertainty.

“AFF and our member associations would like to express gratitude to all our fans, players, coaches, officials, media and other partners for their unwavering support and commitment despite these challenging times, and look forward to the AFF Suzuki Cup unifying the whole of South East Asia when we are able to come together again.”

Meanwhile, Sportfive Managing Director South East Asia, Malcolm Thorpe said that they are glad to work out the new tournament dates for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 with the relevant stakeholders.

“We are excited to continue to work with our partners on their sponsorships, campaigns and activation plans as we get ready to bring football back to the fans of ASEAN.”

Sportfive is the exclusive commercial partner of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Originally scheduled to take place in November and December this year, the AFF Suzuki Cup is the largest and most prestigious football tournament in South East Asia and is set to see the national ‘A’ teams of the region competing for the Championship title.

The AFF will continue to work closely with the various member associations and partners to provide further updates on the 2021 tournament as soon as available.

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, 24 Sept – Due to the global Covid19 pandemic still going on, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Belgian Hockey Association have jointly decided to postpone the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup – initially scheduled to be played in February 2021 to 2-6 February 2022, in order to maximise the athletes’ and fans’ experience.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil stated in a statement today: “The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup is a great hockey spectacle which generates a fantastic atmosphere. With the current major uncertainties which we are facing – such as the ability of all teams to travel, the completion of all continental qualifiers or the access of fans to the venue – and in order to protect the health of everyone involved, a postponement was the only option to go for. Our thanks go to the Belgian Hockey Association and the Province of Liege for their great commitment to put together an amazing show in 2022.”

Hockey Belgium CEO Serge Pilet added: “In coordination with the Province of Liège, we are convinced that this is the wisest decision in regards to the actual health situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s hope this postponement will enable us to organise a superb event in Liège’s magnificent Country Hall, in ideal conditions. But first, let’s try to put the pandemic behind us.”

It will be the sixth edition of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. The showpiece event will see 12 teams competing in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Austria men and Germany women won the last FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup events that took place in 2018 in Berlin, Germany.

BUKIT KIARA, 24 Sept – The next time national doubles aces, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik step into the court to compete and represent Malaysia, they will have the 100PLUS brand firmly fitted on their jerseys.

Aaron and Wooi Yik have sealed a two-year sponsorship deal with 100PLUS, the nation’s No. 1 isotonic beverage.

Aaron and Wooi Yik will follow in the footsteps of legend and national badminton icon, Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei and current No. 1 national singles player, Lee Zii Jia as 100PLUS Brand Ambassadors.

Three-time Olympics medallist, Chong Wei has enjoyed a brilliant partnership with 100PLUS since 2009 while Zii Jia signed up with the brand last year.

Melaka-born Aaron, 23, and his right-handed partner Wooi Yik, 22, had created a huge impact to sensationally break into the BWF top 10 world ranking, hitting a high of No. 9, just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

They will likely rise even higher once competition restarts.

“The future is bright for Aaron and Wooi Yik, they are hardworking, talented and have tremendous potential.

“At the rate they have been progressing, they will soon be winning major titles,” said 100PLUS Senior Marketing Manager, Leong Wai Yin today. 

“We have confidence in this pair which is why we decided to sign them on as our brand ambassadors.”

Aside from Wai Yin, BAM President, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, BAM General Secretary, Datuk Kenny Goh, 100PLUS Consultant, Datuk Kamal Harun and Far East Victor Malaysia Managing Director, Datuk Alex Ong were also present at the Signing Ceremony.

“This support from 100PLUS which is synonymous with badminton is an indication of their confidence in us, above all, it is recognition of our efforts. 100PLUS has always sponsored top players, so this is extremely encouraging and will inspire us to achieve even better results,” a delighted Aaron said today.

“We want to thank BAM and 100PLUS for their support and making this deal happen.”

With competitions suspended these last few months and the Olympics dream in sight, Aaron and Wooi Yik will be keen to get their show back on the road as soon as conditions improve and competitions restart.

“We have been training hard these last few months and played in the BAM competition. But now we are eager and waiting for competition to fully resume so we can get back in action and start winning again.”

As part of the sponsorship, Aaron and Wooi Yik will be provided with 100PLUS ACTIVE for their training and competition.

They will benefit from consuming 100PLUS ACTIVE which has a special non-carbonated formulation to quickly rehydrate and replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise and sport, and re-energises with added Vitamin B3, B6, B12. 

100PLUS, a Silver sponsor for Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 2017, is synonymous with supporting sports in the country.

The Football Association of Malaysia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia are among the sports associations that 100PLUS sponsors.

100PLUS is the Official Isotonic Beverage for the Malaysian Football League and the Recommended Drink of the National Sports Council.