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SKUAD negara berdepan tugas sukar pada Piala Asia di Kuantan bulan depan. ANDAI ranking dunia menjadi ukuran, skuad hoki negara mungkin tidak mampu melangkah ke separuh akhir Piala Asia di Kuantan pada 9 hingga 16 Mei depan. Ini kerana, Malaysia yang berada di ranking ke-15 dunia, diundi bersama pasukan Korea Selatan ( ranking ke-5) dan Jepun (11) dalam Kumpulan A manakala pengganti bagi Sri Lanka (41) yang menarik diri kelmarin, masih belum diumumkan. Namun, itu semua tidak merisaukan jurulatih, Tai Beng Hai kerana apa yang lebih penting baginya ialah keazaman dan kesungguhan yang ada pada diri anak buahnya untuk mencatat kejayaan di hadapan peminat sendiri kelak. "Jika berdasarkan ranking dunia, kita pasti berdepan kesukaran untuk mara ke separuh akhir kerana Korea Selatan dan Jepun berada pada kedudukan yang lebih baik daripada kita," kata Beng Hai kepada Kosmo! semalam. "Tapi itu semua tidak merisaukan saya kerana ranking dunia hanyalah reputasi di atas k

Wong Mew Choo (left) and Julia Wong could spring a surprise in Guangzhou. WORLD No 1 Lee Chong Wei's target in the Sudirman Cup is to continue his unbeaten run in team events but he doesn't want the Malaysian campaign to be a one-man effort in Guangzhou on May 10-17. Chong Wei, who didn't lose a match in the 2007 Sudirman Cup and 2008 Thomas Cup, has urged his teammates to produce their best so that Malaysia can reach the semi-finals of the mixed team event for the first time. His experience in the 2007 Sudirman Cup was bitter-sweet as despite beating China's Olympic champion Lin Dan, his teammates fumbled and Malaysia could only finish sixth. However, a more-balanced team will compete this time around and Chong Wei is ready to give a winning start in Malaysia's Group B matches. Chong Wei is looking forward to beating World No 13 Park Sung Hwan in the tie against South Korea on May 10, Hong Kong's Ng Wei (May 11) and the crucial match against Wo

Shalin finished fourth in Squad One yesterday. SHALIN Zulkifli capped a fine performance by finishing fourth, the best among the Malaysian bowlers, in Squad One in the World Ranking Masters at the Oltremare Bowling Arena in Naples yesterday. Shalin posted lines of 156, 229, 203, 192, 210, 223, 187, 221 for a total 1,621 pinfalls, averaging 202.62. Shalin, who competed in the recent PBA Women's Tour, has not tasted victory for quite a while and she will be hoping to end her drought in Naples. Her last win was the doubles gold medal with Esther Cheah at the Asian Championships last July. Leading the pack is Germany's Tina Hulsch with an eight-game total of 1,674 followed by Sweden's Nina Flack on 1,650 and the Netherlands' Ghislaine van der Tol with 1,623. Malaysia's Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, who traveled to Naples on her own accord, also produced a polished display, finishing eighth out of 23 bowlers with a 1,589 total. However, Zandra

By LIM TEIK HUAT PETALING JAYA: Malaysia look set to be represented by the full swimming squad of six boys and six girls for the inaugural Asian Youth Games in Singapore from June 29-July 7. The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) had decided earlier that only those who managed to beat the A qualifying time in the national age-group championships in Shah Alam recently would be selected. The Asian Youth Games are for those aged between 14 and 17 years and aquatics are to be one of the nine Olympic sports contested. However, Singapore received overwhelming entries from more than 40 countries and had to limit participation because of the lack of accommodation. But Asum secretary Edwin Chong said they had been informed that Singapore have had a change of mind and would be providing two hotels to cater for the increased number of athletes. “There was the B qualifying mark in place but we only listed the A mark as we were earlier told that there is a cap on the numbe

KUANTAN: Sri Lanka have withdrawn from the Asia Cup hockey tournament to be held in Kuantan from May 9-16. Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said he was only informed of Sri Lanka’s withdrawal today. Tengku Abdullah, who did not disclose the reasons for their withdrawal, said he had asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to find a replacement for Sri Lanka. “We want to maintain the number of teams competing in the tournament at eight but it will continue as planned although Sri Lanka’s absence will affect the fixtures which have been drawn,” he told reporters after inspecting upgrading works at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium here yesterday. Apart from Sri Lanka, defending champions India, South Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, China and Bangladesh have confirmed their participation. Tengku Abdullah said that the national team, fresh from finishing as runners-up in the recently concluded Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, were ready

MALAYSIAN players didwell to win their respective qualifying group matches on the opening day of the World Individual Table Tennis Championships in Yokohama, Japan yesterday. Shakirin Ibrahim, the national No 1 player, defeated Nepal’s Purshottam Bajracharga 11-13, 11-2, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3 in his opening Group 65 match. He plays Portugal’s Silva Andre to decide the group winner today. Teammates Chai Kian Beng and Kho Mao Sheng also won their respective Group 16 and Group 23 opening matches with ease. Kian Beng, the World No 767, thrashed Armenia’s Garegin Mkrtchyan 11-6, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2 while Mao Sheng beat Moldova’s Veniamin Dubrovin 11-6, 11-7, 12- 10, 11-5. In the women’s section, Ng Sock Khim, the World No 203, packed off Kos Island’s Besire Domaniku 11-3, 11-5, 11-2, 11-8 in her Group One match. Compatriot Chiu Soo Jinn hammered Iran’s Sahar Rahnemaihaghighi 11-3, 11-2, 11-5, 11-8 in Group 18. The Malaysians will need to win their final group matches today in

ERIC SAMUEL PETALING JAYA: The Devils are coming! Fans of Manchester United can expect a real red-hot treat when the World Club Cup champions take on the Malaysian Selection in a friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 18. The match, however, will be played at 5.30pm. For you: FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad (left) exchanging jerseys with ProEvents managing director San Boon Wah as Manchester United relationship director Luisa d’Aprano looks on at Wisma FAM Tuesday. FA of Malaysia (FAM) general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said it was the Red Devils who had requested for the early kick-off. “Since the friendly will be held on a Saturday, the early kick-off will encourage outstation fans to travel to Kuala Lumpur for the match,” he said at a press conference to announce United’s trip to Malaysia. This will be United’s fourth trip to Malaysia since 1981. They were also here in 1995 and 2001. ProEvents International Sdn Bhd are the offi

By LIM TEIK HUAT PETALING JAYA: The swine flu outbreak has forced Malaysia to cancel plans to send senior divers to the United States for the fifth-leg of the FINA World Grand Prix. The deadly new virus, which originated from Mexico, has now spread to the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Israel and Europe. The virus has killed up to 149 people in Mexico and threatens to become a pandemic. The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) consulted the National Sports Council (NSC) yesterday before deciding not to compete in next weekend’s US-leg of the competition. Asum secretary Edwin Chong said they were heeding the call by the Malaysian authorities to refrain from travelling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which have been affected by the deadly swine influenza. However, diver Yeoh Ken Nee will be allowed to compete in the Canadian-leg of the Grand Prix, which begins on Friday. “Ken Nee left for Montreal for the Canadian-leg yesterday toge

Oleh Ahmad Khawari Isa ahmadkhawari@bharian.com.my KEJOHANAN Badminton Piala Sudirman di Guangzhou, China � dijadual daripada 10 hingga 17 Mei ini � tetap akan dilangsungkan di sebalik kebimbangan mengenai wabak selesema babi yang kini melanda. Perkhabaran itu dinyatakan Pengurus Acara Persekutuan Badminton Dunia (BWF), M Venugopal, yang melahirkan keyakinan bahawa penganjur � Persatuan Badminton China (CBA) � sudah mengambil langkah sewajarnya. "Setakat ini, tiada negara peserta yang melahirkan kebimbangan mengenai wabak itu. Malah semua pasukan sudahpun mengesahkan penyertaan, termasuk mengesahkan jadual ketibaan pemain masing-masing. BWF mempunyai penuh keyakinan CBA juga sudah mengambil langkah penganjuran sewajarnya. Jika kebimbangan itu ditimbulkan sekalipun, kami yakin CBA akan mampu menanganinya dengan sempurna," katanya. Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, semalam menasihatkan orang ramai agar tidak melakukan lawa

TENGKU ABDULLAH (kanan) meluangkan masa meninjau persiapan di Stadium Hoki Indera Mahkota, Kuantan semalam menjelang Kejohanan Piala Asia bulan depan. SRI LANKA menarik diri pada saat akhir daripada menyertai Kejohanan Hoki Piala Asia edisi kelapan di Kuantan pada 9 hingga 16 Mei depan. Presiden Persekutuan Hoki Malaysia (PHM), Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah berkata, beliau baru saja dimaklumkan mengenai perkara itu semalam, namun tidak menjelaskan punca penarikan diri pasukan tersebut. Beliau meminta Persekutuan Hoki Asia (PHA) mencari pengganti secepat mungkin agar tidak mengganggu jadual pertandingan. Katanya, PHA memandang berat perkara tersebut kerana kerajaan Pahang sanggup menjadi tuan rumah dan berbelanja hampir RM1.3 juta untuk menaik taraf kemudahan di Stadium Hoki Wisma Belia, Kuantan selepas Dubai menarik diri daripada menganjur kejohanan itu. "Jika boleh kita mahu lapan pasukan yang akan berentap, namun pertandingan tetap akan dijalankan walaupun tiada pasuka

"KITA serahkan kepada budi bicara FAM". Itu komen ringkas daripada Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek ( gambar ) ketika diminta mengulas mengenai kemelut yang menimpa Persatuan Bola Sepak Kelantan (Kafa) ekoran penggantungan daripada beraksi di Stadium Sultan Mohammad Ke-IV, lapor MUSTAPA LAKAWA. Kelmarin, Presiden Kafa, Tan Sri Annuar Musa meminta Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) menimbang semula penggantungan itu kerana ia akan menyebabkan persatuan bukan sahaja terpaksa menanggung denda daripada FAM, malah kerugian dari segi kos pengurusan dan pengangkutan. Menurut Annuar, rusuhan yang berlaku pada 7 April lalu bukanlah kesalahan Kafa kerana kejadian tersebut berlaku di luar stadium. Begitupun, Shabery yang turut bersimpati dengan nasib Kafa menjelaskan bahawa segala keputusan mengenai isu itu terletak di tangan FAM. "Buat masa ini, saya tidak mahu mencampuri keputusan FAM kerana ia melibatkan dasar persatuan. Kita serahkan kepada budi bic

ANDREW (kiri) menerima anugerah OCM Sports Goodwill Ambassador daripada Presiden MOM, Tunku Imran di Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini. PERJUANGAN Presiden Kelab Rekreasi Ulu Kelang (UKRC), Andrew Gopal mempertahankan pusat rekreasi dan sukan UKRC tidak sia-sia apabila dianugerahkan OCM Sports Goodwill Ambassador oleh Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM) baru-baru ini. Andrew terlibat secara langsung untuk mempertahankan kelab UKRC serta memperjuangkan isu-isu kawasan lapang untuk riadah bagi masyarakat sekitar Hulu Kelang. Anugerah itu disampaikan oleh Presiden MOM, Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar. Pada tahun 1999 dan 2003, perebutan tanah UKRC oleh Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dan ahli korporat bagi tujuan pembangunan banglo dan kondominium telah membuatkan Andrew tampil membantah dan memperjuangkan kawasan tersebut. Isu perebutan tanah di tapak UKRC itu turut mendapat liputan luas daripada media elektronik dan cetak. Pada asalnya, UKRC merupakan nama yang sinonim sebagai pusat rekreasi

Oleh Azidan Nahar azidan@bharian.com.my Raih emas di NS dengan 4.25m, yakin layak ke Kejohanan Dunia KEGAGALAN menyertai Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Thailand akibat masalah keselamatan tidak memberi kesan terhadap jaguh lompat bergalah negara, Roslinda Samsu yang melakukan lompatan setinggi 4.25 meter pada Kejohanan Terbuka Negeri Sembilan, hujung minggu lalu. Lompatan yang memberikan pingat emas buat atlit kelahiran Kuala Nerang, Kedah itu lebih baik dari catatan 4.14m dilakukannya ketika memenangi emas pada Kejohanan Terbuka Taiwan, bulan lalu. Namun, dia yang pertama kali cuba mengatasi ketinggian 4.35m untuk melepasi syarat ke Kejohanan Dunia, gagal melepasi palang dengan jarak yang begitu hampir, tetapi tetap yakin mampu melepasinya sedikit masa lagi. "Ia sudah begitu hampir untuk melepasi 4.35m, secara teknikal dia sudah menunjukkan peningkatan dan saya yakin ketinggian itu berada dalam jangkauan," kata jurulatih Roslinda, Manshahar

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- After missing the World Lawn Bowls championships in Warilla, Australia due to an 18-month suspension slapped by the Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF), former world number one Siti Zalina Ahmad hopes to make up for that loss by qualifying for the next championships. Siti Zalina who has since slipped to third in the world rankings, was happy that the MLBF had lifted her suspension on April 10. "I am determined and excited to resume training and I want to recapture the world number one ranking and the title as well," she told Bernama here today. Siti Zalina and team-mate Norhashimah Ismail were both suspended for 18 and 12 months respectively by the MLBF for indiscipline, while undergoing centralised training at the Bukit Kiara National Lawn Bowls centre on Oct 26, 2008. She added that though it was a very tough and trying period (suspension), it did not dampen her spirit and continued to train on her own throughout her short suspensio

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The Asean Para Games to be hosted by Malaysia from Aug 15-19, would offer a total of 1,500 medals in 11 sports said Asean Para Sports Federation (APSF) president Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin. Zainal said the games are being hosted in Malaysia due to Laos' inability to host the event although traditionally SEA Games hosts, organised the Games after the SEA Games. Among the sports to feature are athletics, swimming, badminton, table tennis, powerlifting, chess, bowling, sailing, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. "Malaysia will participate in all sports contested and aim to become the overall champion and better the second place finish in Korat, Thailand, two years ago," he told Bernama, today. In Korat, the 180-member Malaysian contingent, won 82 gold, 74 silver and 46 bronze medals to finish behind host Thailand. Zainal added that all the sports would be held in an around Kuala Lumpur, except for sailing even

Oleh HISYAMUDDIN AYUB hisyam.ayub@utusan.com.my AHMAD Shabery Cheek (bertali leher) mengambil kesempatan bergambar kenangan bersama pasukan hoki sekolah-sekolah semasa mengadakan lawatan di Stadium Hoki Tun Razak, Jalan Duta, semalam. - UTUSAN/ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE KUALA LUMPUR - Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS) mahu menggunakan pendekatan baru dalam menghasilkan atlet berpotensi tinggi dan mewujudkan impak lebih besar di peringkat antarabangsa. Menterinya, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek berkata, pendekatan baru yang mahu dilaksanakan oleh KBS itu adalah mencari bakat-bakat baru pada usia muda oleh badan tertentu. Katanya, pendekatan yang digunapakai ketika ini adalah kaedah lama dan tidak lagi relevan dalam mencungkil atlet berbakat negara pada masa depan. Jelasnya, jika pemilihan atlet pelapis hanya bergantung kepada kejohanan peringkat sekolah sahaja, ia sudah ketinggalan dan ia tidak akan memperbaiki tahap pencapaian sukan Malaysia di pentas antarabangsa. "Kita tidak mahu lagi b

Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek (right) and his deputy Datuk Razali Ibrahim (centre) check on the gymnasium facilities during their visit to the National Sports Institute yesterday. — Pic: GOH THEAN HOWE THE National Sports Institute (NSI) is moving towards becoming an autonomous body and it could happen within this year. As the first step, the Sports Ministry will make amendments to its Act before tabling it in Parliament in October. Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said once done, he expects NSI to be a leader in sports research, sports medicine and sports science in Malaysia. "It's a good move as the institute has huge potential to be a leader in sports development. "The institute's Act will be amended soon to allow it to operate as a separate entity," said Ahmad Shabery, who visited the NSI in Bukit Jalil yesterday. "This will allow NSI to focus on sports science and medicine without depending on other agenc

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek wants more emphasis to be placed on nutrition when it comes to preparing the nation’s elite athletes. Shabery said that while the government had spent a lot of money on infrastructure and coaches, it had failed to stress on the importance of proper nutrition. Let’s talk sports: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek meeting cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang (right), badminton coach Rashid Sidek (third from right) and former doubles star Jalani Sidek (second from right) at his office yesterday. — UU BAN LEONG / The Star “It may be due to our culture that we crave for food like mee goreng, nasi lemak and roti canai . But if we are talking about doing well at the highest level, our athletes will have to change their dietary habits,” he said after visiting the National Sports Institute (NSI) to look at its facilities and support services yesterday. “The concept of taste has to be changed and nutrition is

Overall winner Timothy Roe (second left) of Saving & Loans with green jersey winner Anuar Manan (second right) of Malaysia, red polka dot winner Abbas Saeditanha (right) of Azad University and white jersey winner Rauf Nor Misbah of Malaysia at the end of Jelajah Malaysia on Sunday . — Pic: MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN THE Jelajah Malaysia, with its RM4 million budget and the hyped-up atmosphere, no longer deserves to be maintained as an UCI 2.2 grade event. It already serves its purpose as a development event, not just for Malaysia but for the region, albeit if others seem to benefit more from it than the host country. With a 19-year-old overall winner in Australian Timothy Roe of the Savings & Loans team, the race is already one that should become the launching pad for future talents. Again, local cycling fans had only the green jersey for the points classification win and two stage wins delivered by the reliable Anuar Manan, and apart from that there wasn't really m

By LIM TEIK HUAT PETALING JAYA: Winning a World Championships medal in Poland last month may have earned track cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang fame and fortune. But without education, Azizul knows that his life is not complete yet. So, the 21-year-old is ready to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in sports management. Azizul will start attending classes at the Deakin University in Melbourne next month. This will also allow him to continue training with the rest of the elite track squad based there under coach John Beasley. “I applied to join the university through the normal channel like everyone else. Coach Beasley also encouraged me to go for it and the university was quick to accept me,” said Azizul after meeting Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek at his office yesterday. “My training base in Melbourne (Joe Chiabola velodrome) is about 30 minutes away by car. I don’t think there will be any problem allocating time for training.” Azizul, w

KUALA LUMPUR: The national elite bowlers had to pay excess baggage fees for their bowling equipment before leaving the country for Italy on Saturday. But it could very well be worth it because the bowlers will be banking on these specially drilled bowling balls when they go for glory at the World Ranking Masters, which will begin in Naples tomorrow. In their element: The bowlers (from left) Zulmazran Zulkifli, Alex Liew, Siti Safiyah, Shalin Zulkifli and Zandra Aziela posing outside a bowling alley in Napoli yesterday. Malaysia will be represented by two men - Zulmazran Zulkifli and Alex Liew – and three women - Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, Shalin Zulkifli and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman. And they will all be bowling on a new lane condition, which is being introduced in the tournament. The bowlers, who arrived in Italy yesterday, will have to get used to the medium oiling lane patterns. Previously, they had to master only the short and long lane conditions. With

By RAJES PAUL KUALA LUMPUR: A couple of months ago men’s singles shuttlers Mohd Hafiz Hashim and Kuan Beng Hong were going through a slump and were on the brink of being dropped from the national team. But how their fortunes have changed since. In the next few days, the duo are likely to be told that they will be retained in the national team. But the best part is that one of them is expected to be named for the Sudirman Cup, which will be held in Guangzhou from May 10-17. The move is to strengthen Malaysia’s bid to reach their first-ever semi-finals in the world mixed team event. Those already confirmed for the trip to China are world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Wong Mew Choo, Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty and Ng Hui Lin. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have decided to keep Hafiz and Beng Hong under their wings following the duo’s improved performances in the Indian Open and Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) in Suwon, South Korea, ea

KUALA LUMPUR: A two-week training stint in China could see the Malaysian paddlers going one step better in the World Individual Table Tennis Championships in Yokohama, Japan, which starts today. A six-member Malaysian team were based in Beijing for intensive training over the last two weeks and they only made their way to Japan on Sunday. Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM) secretary general Chan Foong Keong said they had not set any targets for the team in Japan. “It will be difficult for our players against the world class field. China, Singapore and Taiwan have good players,” said Foong Keong before leaving for Japan on Sunday. “For us, this tournament will be part of the players’ training for the SEA Games (in Laos in December). We hope that the training stint in China will help them to put up improved performances.” The Malaysian team comprise three men - Mohd Shakirin Ibrahim, Kho Mao Sheng, Chai Kian Beng – and three women – Beh Lee Wei, Ng Sock Khim and Chi

Oleh Harris Rajahdin harajah@bharian.com.my Nicol Pentas ujian selepas berehat hampir dua bulan IA bukan percutian semata-mata buat Nicol David yang akan berkunjung ke destinasi pelancongan, kepulauan Cayman minggu depan dalam misinya menegakkan kembali penguasaannya dalam pentas skuasy wanita dunia. Di sana, dia akan menjadikan negara kecil di Caribbean itu sebagai pentas aksi kompetitif selepas berehat hampir dua bulan. Sambil mengakui dirinya teruja memikirkan mengenai kunjungan pertamanya ke kepulauan yang terletak di Lautan Atlantik itu, pemain nombor satu dunia itu menyedari terdapat misi lebih penting yang perlu dilangsaikan di sana pada Terbuka Cayman pada 5-10 Mei ini. "Saya belum pernah ke sana dan tidak sabar menimba pengalaman pertama di sana. Saya mengetahui Cayman dikenali dengan pantainya dan resort percutian indah. "Tetapi saya tidak akan ke sana untuk bercuti semata-mata kerana terdapat sesuatu yang

AHMAD Shabery (kanan) berbincang sesuatu dengan Azizulhasni di Kementerian Belia dan Sukan di Putrajaya semalam. JAGUH lumba basikal negara, Azizulhasni Awang akan melanjutkan pelajaran pada peringkat ijazah sarjana muda dalam bidang pengurusan sukan di Universiti Deakin, Melbourne, Australia pada awal Jun depan. Beliau berkata keputusan itu diambil bagi melengkapkan diri dengan ilmu pengetahuan sebagai persediaan pada masa depan. "Walaupun perlu memberikan tumpuan dan 'berkayuh' di Sukan Olimpik 2012 London, saya juga perlu mencari ilmu bagi kegunaan diri sendiri," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengadakan pertemuan dengan Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek semalam. "Langkah melanjutkan pelajaran itu tidak akan menjejaskan latihannya di Australia kerana jarak antara universiti berkenaan dengan pusat latihan iaitu Velodrom Joe Ciavola hanya melibatkan perjalanan 20 minit sahaja," katanya. "Saya akan cuba membahagikan masa yang se

MALAYSIA akan melaksanakan pendekatan baru untuk mencungkil bakat pada usia muda dalam usaha melahirkan atlet negara bertaraf dunia. Demikian tegas Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, semalam. Beliau berkata, pendekatan yang digunapakai selama ini seperti melalui sistem pendidikan bagi melahirkan atlet negara dilihat kurang bersesuaian. "Seseorang atlet seharusnya bermula di peringkat umur yang lebih awal dan fokus sukannya mestilah bersesuaian dengan bentuk badan dan sebagainya," katanya selepas mengadakan lawatan ke Stadium Hoki Tun Razak, Jalan Duta semalam. Ahmad Shabery berkata, di sesetengah negara seperti China, pemilihan atlet dilakukan di peringkat kanak-kanak lagi dan kerana itu mereka mempunyai jumlah atlet yang besar. "Dua sekolah sukan yang kita ada sekarang (Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil dan Sekolah Sukan Bandar Penawar) juga tidak sepatutnya memberikan tumpuan kepada semua jenis sukan," katanya. Menurutnya, pendekatan sekolah-sekolah

Oleh Meor Hisham Zulkifli sham@bharian.com.my AHMAD Shabery bersama pasukan hoki SMK Convent (jersi oren) dan SM Sains Seri Puteri di Stadium Hoki Tun Razak semalam. KEMENTERIAN Belia dan Sukan (KBS) akan membuat pindaan terhadap Akta Institut Sukan Negara (ISN) dalam usaha menjadikan badan itu sebagai peneraju utama pembangunan sukan negara. Menterinya, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek berkata, banyak perkara boleh dibuat oleh ISN dalam membantu pembangunan sukan negara kerana sukan dan sains adalah bidang yang besar dan sering berkembang. "Akta ISN perlu diubah bagi membolehkan ia bergerak sendiri sebagai sebuah badan dan tidak perlu lagi bergantung dengan badan lain," katanya selepas membuat lawatan ke ISN, Bukit Jalil, semalam. Beliau berkata, bacaan pertama bagi pindaan akta itu akan dibentangkan di Parlimen Oktober ini dan dijangka diluluskan dalam tahun ini. "ISN perlu melakukan perubahan bagi menghidupkan indus

Oleh Meor Hisham Zulkifli sham@bharian.com.my Azizulhasni Awang JAGUH berbasikal negara, Azizulhasni Awang, bertekad membuktikan kejayaan di trek mampu seiring dengan kecemerlangan dalam pendidikan apabila mula mendaftar sebagai siswazah di Universiti Deakin, Australia pada Jun ini. Dia yang akan mengikuti pengajian jurusan perdagangan dengan pengkhususan sains sukan di universiti itu selama empat tahun, merasakan pengajiannya tidak akan menggugat prestasinya selaku atlit. "Saya merasakan di samping berkayuh, nak isi diri juga dengan ilmu. Jadi selepas ini saya perlu pandai membahagi masa dan akan cuba menjadi teladan kepada adik-adik generasi muda mengenai kepentingan membahagi masa. "Saya harap walaupun berjaya dalam sukan, saya juga berjaya dalam pelajaran," katanya yang turut disandarkan harapan untuk meraih pingat emas pertama negara di Olimpik dalam acara trek lumba basikal. Dia yang diletakkan sebagai pelu

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Danish mixed doubles king Thomas Lund is set to become the new chief operating officer (COO) of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). It is learnt that Lund, who became one of the most widely acclaimed sports administrators in Denmark after retiring in the mid-1990s, was interviewed by the BWF executive board during the Swiss Open in March. The other candidate vying for the post is Steve Baddeley, who is credited with charting the fortunes of English badminton in the 1980s. If everything falls into place, Lund is expected to be based at the world body’s head office in Cheras. Lund had earlier tried to get into the world body when he applied for the post of general manager. The post of COO has been vacant for almost two years. Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary P. Ganga Rao had held the post briefly. The presence of Lund is expected to lift the profile of the BWF. If Lund gets the job, he would have come a full circle in badm

Pelumba Tempatan Terbaik, Muhammad Rauf Misbah. ANUAR meraih gelaran Raja Pecut pada Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Jelajah Malaysia 2009 semalam. PELUMBA sensasi negara, Anuar Manan telah mengotakan janjinya. Semalam, Anuar melakar hatrik dengan meraih gelaran Raja Pecut (Jersi Hijau) pada Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Jelajah Malaysia 2009 (JM'09). Selepas mengharumkan nama pasukan benua negara, LeTua Cycling Team dengan meraih gelaran Raja Pecut untuk dua tahun berturut-turut sebelum ini, semalam Anuar membawa keceriaan buat pasukan barunya, Azad University Continental Team. "Pertama sekali, saya mahu mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada seluruh rakyat Malaysia kerana sentiasa memberi sokongan kepada saya sejak awal hingga akhir perlumbaan ini. "Tidak dilupakan juga pihak penganjur JM'09 (Ten Speed Events Sdn. Bhd.) kerana telah banyak menaikkan nama saya sehingga saya mencapai kejayaan seperti sekarang. "Saya gembira kerana dapat mengekalkan Jersi Hijau

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- National rider Anuar Manan has achieved his target of donning the green jersey for the third time consecutively when he emerged as the best sprint rider in the Tour of Malaysia 2009 (JM2009) today. With the success in adding 10 points at the Kuala Lumpur Criterium today, Anuar, 23, beat his nearest rival Mohd Nor Rizuan Zainal from the Malaysian Defence Forces (ATM) team and Mehdi Sohrabi (Iran) from the Tabriz Petrochemical team. He amassed 29 points, followed by Mohd Nor Rizuan and Mehdi with 24 and 20 points respectively. "I am thankful to my teammates who helped me a lot in planning my strategy to win in the two sprint zones today. "I'm also proud that my team (Azad University Continental Team) won four stages of the race and two championship jerseys. I still have my contract until the end of the year with the team I'm representing, and may change to another team or remain with the present team," said the rider who ori

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports Ministry plans to implement three measures to develop cycling in the country. Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it wanted to set up cycling communities in all the states, create more cyclists of international stature and develop the bicycle industry. "A big cycling community will help our search for new talents capable of becoming professional riders," he said after witnessing the eight leg of Jelajah Malaysia 2009 (Tour of Malaysia) at Dataran Merdeka today. Shabery said the ministry was willing to cooperate with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) to find the best way to improve cycling. It was also planning to build an indoor velodrome by 2011 under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP). "This is important as we have riders with the potential to win medals at the 2012 London Olympic Games." He said with the indoor velodrome, the riders would not have to be go overseas for training which wa

KOTA TINGGI, April 26 (Bernama) -- National shooters representing the Johor Clay Target Shooting Association (JCTSA) won the 12th edition of the Sultan Iskandar Cup, ending a 12-year trophy drought. Edward Khor, Tan Tiang Xiang and Choi Kim Mun who made up the JSTSA A-Team beat their nearest rival and runner-up, JCTSA B-Team while the third place was clinched by the SCTSA C-Team. It was double joy when Khor won the gold medal while Tan and Choi took the silver and bronze respectively. "We had a healthy lead from the start of this competition on Friday which contributed to this historical win," said Khor who has several years of experience competiting in various international tournaments. More than 200 shooters from Asean countries competed in three clay target events, namely the Double Trap, Olympic Trap and Skeet, during the three-day competition. Meanwhile, Khor lamented the absence of shooting at the Laos SEA Games in December in which Malaysia could win at least bronz

Oleh WAN FAKHRUL BAKAR SELANGOR menang bergaya, Kelantan pula kecewa. Begitulah yang boleh disimpulkan kepada keputusan perlawanan akhir bola sepak Piala FA di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil malam tadi. Kesudahan babak drama penuh mendebarkan itu, Selangor akhirnya muncul juara selepas mencatat kemenangan 4-1 menerusi penentuan sepakan penalti setelah kedua-dua pasukan terikat 1-1 selepas berakhirnya 120 minit masa permainan. Ia sekali gus memberikan trofi kejuaraan Piala FA kelima buat Selangor selepas mereka memenanginya pada 1991, 1997, 2001 dan 2005. Pada penentuan sepakan penalti, empat sepakan Selangor berjaya disempurnakan Khairul Anuar Baharom, Nasriq Baharom, D. Surendran dan Safee Sali. Bagi Kelantan, hanya sepakan kedua oleh Ahmad Ezrie Shafizie Sazali menemui sasaran manakala sepakan pertama Indra Putra Mahayuddin terkena palang dan sepakan ketiga oleh Zairul Fitree Ishak tersasar. Suasana di stadium nyata begitu meriah dengan kehadiran seimbang penyokong kedua-dua

Laporan AZIZUL FAHMI ROE (kanan) muncul pendahulu keseluruhan selepas menjuarai perlumbaan peringkat ketujuh Jelajah Malaysia 2009 semalam. SELEPAS empat hari gah muncul pendahulu keseluruhan Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Jelajah Malaysia 2009 (JM’09), kini Mehdi Sohrabi terpaksa menyerahkan Jersi Kuning kepada pelumba pasu- kan Savings & Loan Cycling Team, Timothy Roe. Roe berjaya merampas Jersi Kuning daripada pelumba pasukan Tabriz Petrochemical Cycling Team itu selepas berjaya menjuarai peringkat ketujuh dari Tanjung Malim ke Genting Highlands semalam. Catatan 3 jam 01 minit 21 saat yang dilakukan Roe semalam sudah cukup baginya untuk muncul pendahulu keseluruhan buat pertama kali pada kejohanan kali ini. Tempat kedua menjadi milik Ghader Mizbani dari pasukan Tabriz Petrochemical Cycling Team manakala rakan sepasukan Roe, Jai Crawford menduduki tempat ketiga selepas kedua-dua pelumba itu turut mencatat masa 3’01:21s. Bagi Roe, kejayaan berganda yang diraih itu dianggap

KEGEMBIRAAN yang dikecapi Anuar Manan semalam tidak kekal lama. Kira-kira empat jam selepas ditabalkan selaku pemegang baru Jersi Hijau (Raja Pecut) pada peringkat keenam JM'09 dari Kuantan ke Bera, Anuar terpaksa akur apabila jersi yang dimena- nginya itu ditarik balik. Semuanya gara-gara keputusan pegawai perlumbaan (komisar) yang menarik balik hukuman terhadap pelumba pasukan LeTua Cycling Team, Samai. Terdahulu, komisar tidak mengesahkan kemenangan Samai pada zon pecutan kedua di Maran (58.6 kilometer) selepas pelumba kelahiran Indo- nesia itu didakwa menyiku Anuar. Begitupun, selepas pengurusan LeTua Cycling Team membuat bantahan dengan mengemukakan hujah serta bukti sahih kepada pihak komisar, akhirnya Samai didapati tidak melakukan seba- rang kesalahan seperti yang didakwa. Situasi itu menyaksikan Samai kembali diiktiraf sebagai pemenang pada zon pecutan kedua, sementara Anuar sekadar berada di tempat kedua. Sekalipun Jersi Hijau yang dimenanginya telah ditarik balik,

Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek (centre), Razali Ibrahim (left) and Zolkples Embong watch 110m hurdler Mohd Rohaizah Jamil in training at NSC yesterday. — Pic: EFFENDY RASHID SPORTS Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, after avoiding making any statements over the last two weeks, finally announced his visions for Malaysian sport yesterday. Ahmad Shabery, addressing the national athletes at the National Sports Council for the first time since taking charge of the Sports Ministry, said his visions is to see Malaysians becoming a sporting society, national athletes winning more medals at the highest level and sport turning into an industry. Ahmad Shabery said although his visions are not new, he wants to ensure that these three areas are developed in order to see Malaysia becoming a proud sporting nation again. Ahmad Shabery believes creating a sporting culture is the start towards bringing sport to the forefront. "We need to become a sporting society where every

KUALA LUMPUR: First impression, they say, always matters. And the country’s new Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek certainly showed himself as a down-to-earth and hands-on Minister after his first official visit to the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil, the home of the national athletes and sports administrators, yesterday. From his speech and his action, he showed that he had the interest of the national athletes close to his heart. “Time and distance can be measured but not courage and determination. But that is what I see in the faces of the athletes here, and I will do all I can to help them achieve excellence for the country,” said Shabery to a thunderous applause from the national athletes and officials. “Today, I have been given a red carpet welcome. Next time I intend to come here and listen to what the athletes have to say without having all these officials around. I am open to the athletes’ ideas and suggestions. I may even drop by and