Malaysian Sports - Today's back pages!

Diumumkan pada tarikh akhir pendaftaran KURANG dua bulan sebelum aksi Piala Thomas bermula, pencarian Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) untuk barisan pemain yang akan menggalas harapan negara berterusan dengan Kejohanan Asia (ABC), 12 April ini di New Delhi, menjadi medan pemilihan terakhir. Dengan Lee Chong Wei sudah pasti menjadi perseorangan pertama manakala Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong pula beregu utama, pencarian untuk tiga slot perseorangan dan dua beregu akan ditentukan sebaik selepas kejohanan di New Delhi itu.  Hafiz Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong, Tan Chun Seang, Chong Wei Feng, Chan Kwong Beng dan Lok Chong Chieh diberi peluang terakhir untuk meyakinkan barisan jurulatih bahawa mereka layak untuk disenaraikan dalam skuad Piala Thomas.

UTUSAN: Apa perkembangan terbaru KOAM? KARIM: Kita akan menjadi tuan rumah kejohanan Olahraga SEA Remaja, pada 26 hingga 27 Mei ini. Kejohanan ini adalah yang kelima, melibatkan penyertaan atlet bawah 19. KOAM dengan kerjasama Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) akan menggunakan kejohanan ini bagi mencungkil potensi atlet remaja, yang mungkin boleh diketengahkan di peringkat antarabangsa. Kita telah pun memaklumkan kepada bahagian atlet pelapis, sekolah dan juga kelab yang berminat untuk menghantar atlet-atlet mereka, boleh berbuat demikian sebelum tarikh tutup penyertaan pada 18 Mei ini. Kita juga tidak meletakkan had kelayakan kepada para peserta di mana pemilihan atlet yang akan bertanding bagi mewakili negara ke kejohanan itu akan dinilai berdasarkan kedudukan ranking mereka. Sebagai tuan rumah, kita boleh menghantar tiga wakil bagi setiap acara yang dipertandingkan manakala negara-negara lain hanya dibenarkan menghantar dua peserta. Selepas itu, ke mana bakat-bakat baru ini akan dide

MALEK NOOR bersama Ella selepas Majlis Istiadat Pengurniaan Darjah Kebesaran Negeri Pahang di Istana Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang semalam. PEKAN - Bekas juara bina badan Asia, Malek Noor semalam dianugerahkan Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) membawa gelaran Datuk sempena ulang tahun hari keputeraan ke-79 Sultan Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah pada 24 Oktober lepas. Malek atau nama sebenarnya Abdul Malek Mohd. Noor merupakan antara 57 penerima DIMP dalam istiadat yang disempurnakan oleh Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah di Balairung Seri Istana Abu Bakar di sini.

PETALING JAYA: The celebrations will be put aside for world championship track cycling silver medallist Azizul Hasni Awang as he has the Asian championships coming up soon in Sharjah. Azizul, who finished behind Olympic champion Chris Hoy of Britain in the keirin final to claim his second career world championships silver medal in Copenhagen last Sunday, returned immediately to the national team’s training base in Melbourne yesterday. Utmost on his mind is to make a successful bid to regain the Asian keirin title in the championship at the United Arab Emirates from April 9-17. Azizul failed to win the keirin gold medal for the third successive time in the championships in Indonesia last year. He finished fourth and Hafiz Sufian lessened the blow for Malaysia by taking the silver. However, Azizul still returned with two gold medals. He retained the 200m sprint title and partnered Rizal Tisin and Mohd Edrus Yunos for a first Malaysian win in the team sprint event. The

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Tuesday denied allegations that the government had sidelined Chinese and Tamil schools (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan) in the country. Muhyiddin said M. Manogaran's (DAP-Teluk Intan) allegation were baseless because Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan has already become part of the education system in the country. "The government spends RM1.8 billion to pay the salary of teachers in Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil and Chinese. When the Penang Chief Minister announces two or three million as aid, the whole world is excited but for your information, the government spends RM1.8 billion to assist such schools. "If had sidelined these schools, why are we paying such a huge amount of money," said Muhyiddin when winding up debate on a motion of thanks to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat. Muhyiddin who is also the Education Minister said suc

KUANTAN, March 30 (Bernama) -- Perak remained unbeaten after four division one matches, beating Armed Forces (ATM) 4-1 in the Tun Abdul Razak Cup at Stadium Hoki Wisma Belia here Tuesday night. Perak made easy work of ATM with goals by Razali Zulkifli (1,28), Mohd Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi (58) and Mohd Noor Khairul Azrai (62). ATM's consolation goal was scored by Mohd Shafik Yaacob (47). In another match, Negeri Sembilan beat Penang 3-2 in an exciting encounter. Negeri's goals were scored by S Kuhan (23,34) and Kavin Kartik (64). The Penang goals came from Mohd Jamil Saidin (28) and Jivan Mohan (53). In another match, Johor beat Melaka 3-0. Johor's goals were scored by Muhammad Azammi Abadi (17), Hang Edzharsyah Hang Tuah (19) and Baljit Singh (32). In a division two match, Terengganu sent Selangor reeling 6-2. Terengganu's goals were scored by Tuan Abdul Walid Tuan Aziz (5), Faizal Saari (11), Muhammad Firhan Ashari (19, 40, 42, 69). Selangor's goal

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Guangzhou Asian Games host, China's promise of organising the best games ever, was clearly evident through the transformation of the city's landscape which reflects a sports city outlook, said Malaysian contingent Chef-de-Mission Datuk Zolkples Embong. Zolkples who visited Guangzhou, the third largest city in China with a population of about 10 million, last week, said the city had undergone a massive transformation. "The Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC) have worked hard and channeled a lot of effort towards ensuring the success of the games, especially in terms of facilities. "Facilities like the Games Village in Guangzhou can be regarded as better than the Games Village for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games," he told Bernama on Tuesday. Malaysian athletes would have no reasons to complaint about the excellent facilities provided by GAGOC, he said. Zolkples who is also the National Sports Council (N

MENTERI Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek meminta syarikat korporat, khususnya di Terengganu menaja pelumba basikal tempatan yang berjaya mencipta nama di peringkat antarabangsa dan mengharumkan nama negara. Katanya, sokongan penajaan daripada syarikat tempatan perlu bagi mengurangkan pergantungan atlit kepada dana kerajaan semata-mata dalam usaha menyemarakkan kemajuan sukan lumba basikal negara yang kini semakin menonjol di persada antarabangsa. Beliau berkata, ramai jaguh lumba basikal negara seperti Mohd Azizulhasni Awang dan Anuar Manan yang berjaya mencatat kejayaan cemerlang dalam pelbagai perlumbaan dunia, justeru syarikat swasta di negeri ini perlu lebih prihatin dan turut mengambil bahagian menaja mereka. “Menerusi penajaan, syarikat tempatan dapat mempromosi syarikat masing-masing ke peringkat antarabangsa apabila jaguh lumba basikal kita memperagakan logo atau jenama produk syarikat,” katanya selepas merasmikan Mesyuarat Agung Majlis Permuafakatan Ibu Bapa

AFTER two different winners in the opening two races of the 2010 Formula One season, Round Three at the Sepang circuit this weekend will be a difficult one to predict. Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir said it would be a tough call as the teams and drivers had not found their "sweet spot" yet. Mokhzani said the races in Bahrain and Australia were completely different and so were the results. "Bahrain was boring while Melbourne was one of the most exciting fans have seen in years. It is too early to say if there is already a trend in the championship race," Mokhzani said in a statement yesterday. "No doubt the Ferraris and Red Bulls are strong but Melbourne proved that you don't have to be in the front row to win the race," he said in reference to McLaren driver Jenson Button's victory at Albert Park on Sunday. Mokhzani said it is still early days yet, especially with the 2010 season expanded to

PETALING JAYA: Cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang is in line to receive RM10,000 under the national sports reward scheme for his silver medal effort in the just concluded World Champion­ships in Copenhagen. Azizul took silver in the keirin and it was his second in the world championship series after a silver in the 200m sprint in Poland last year. For a world championship held annually, the incentive scheme pro­­­vided for RM20,000 for a gold, RM10,000 for a silver and RM5,000 for a bronze. The Terengganu government are expected to hand out the same amount of reward for Azizul but a bigger recognition awaits him at the end of next month. The 22-year-old is the firm favou­ri­te to clinch the 2009 National Sportsman of the Year award based on his achievement as the first Ma­­laysian to claim the World Cup overall title, including winning the legs in Melbourne and Beijing. In the Asian Championships in Indonesia, Azizul defended his 200m sprint title and played a pivotal role in

AZIZULHASNI akan menyertai tiga acara pada Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Asia (ACC) di Dubai, bulan depan. JAGUH negara, Mohd. Azizulhasni Awang menjadi sandaran untuk meraih tiga emas pada Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Asia (ACC) di Dubai, Emiriyah Arab Bersatu (UAE) bermula 10 April depan. Azizulhasni yang berjaya meraih pingat perak dalam acara pada Kejohanan Trek Dunia di Copenhagen, Denmark minggu lepas, akan menyertai tiga acara di UAE nanti. "Selain mempertahankan dua emas yang dimenanginya dalam acara pecut 200 meter dan pecut berpasukan, Azizulhasni juga diharapkan akan menjuarai acara keirin di UAE," kata Presiden Persekutuan Kebangsaan Berbasikal Malaysia (PKBM), Abu Samah Wahab semalam. Bagaimanapun, Abu Samah berkata, sekiranya sasaran tiga emas itu tidak tercapai, PKBM tidak menganggapnya sebagai satu kegagalan. "Ini kerana, ACC pada tahun ini lebih dianggap sebagai persediaan untuk menghadapi dua temasya lebih besar pada tahun ini iaitu Sukan Komanwel dan S

beregu negara, Yew Hong Kheng-Ow Yao Han (paling kanan) bersama pemenang acara beregu lelaki pada kejohanan badminton Remaja Asia di Bukit Kiara, semalam. KUALA LUMPUR - Pemain negara gagal mempamer prestasi memuaskan apabila gagal memenangi acara individu pada tiga aksi akhir kejohanan badminton Remaja Asia, semalam. Setelah kecewa akibat terlepas kejuaraan kepada China dalam acara berpasukan sebelum ini, pemain negara terus terkulai dalam acara individu. Lebih malang, skuad negara yang sepatutnya mempunyai tiga wakil dalam perlawanan akhir individu, sebaliknya terpaksa menyertai dua acara sahaja. Pasangan beregu campuran negara terpaksa menyerahkan kejuaraan tanpa beraksi setelah rakan Ow Yao Han, Lai Pei Jing tidak dapat turun ke gelanggang akibat kecederaan. Ini memberikan kemenangan percuma buat lawan mereka dari China, Liu Cheng-Bao Yixin. Dalam aksi akhir perseorangan lelaki, Loh Wei Sheng tersilap langkah apabila tunduk kepada pemain China, Huang Yuxiang. Biar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- On Tuesday, Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi out-gunned the competition to win a silver at the World Cup Shooting Championships in Sydney, Australia. Now, her success is set to motivate other Malaysian shooters to achieve greater success at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October. National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM) executive secretary Major Jasni Shaari said Nur Suryani's feat was an indication the national shooting squad was capable of winning at least one gold medal in New Delhi. "The challenge in New Delhi is easy as compared to that in Australia because not many Olympic shooters will participate in the Commonwealth Games. "I am confident our shooters will have no problem winning the gold," he told Bernama here on Sunday.

ZAHRA MASOUMAH dan adiknya, Salman Ali menunjukkan sijil MBOR di Pantai Port Dickson semalam. PORT DICKSON - Dua perenang muda negara kategori jarak jauh berjaya menamatkan renangan merentasi Selat Melaka sejauh 60 kilometer (km) di sini semalam sekali gus mengukir nama dalam Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR). Pasangan adik-beradik itu, Zahra Masoumah Abdul Halim, 18, dan Salman Ali Shariati, 12, melengkapkan renangan selama 23 jam bermula dari Tanjung Medang, Pulau Rupat, Indonesia dan berakhir di pantai Batu Empat dekat sini. Salman Ali yang memulakan renangan kira-kira pukul 1.20 petang kelmarin tiba di sini pada pukul 12.20 tengah hari sekali gus diktiraf sebagai perenang termuda bagi jarak jauh. Oleh SYED AHMAD ZULKARNAIN SYED ALI syed.zulkarnain@kosmo.com.my

NUR SURYANI (tengah) berjaya meraih pingat perak pada Kejohanan Piala Dunia di Australia, Selasa lalu. KEJAYAAN penembak wanita negara, Nur Suryani Mohd. Taibi meraih pingat perak pada Kejohanan Piala Dunia di Sydney, Australia Selasa lepas sudah pasti akan membakar semangat penembak lain untuk turut mencipta kejayaan pada temasya Sukan Komanwel 2010 di New Delhi, Oktober depan. Setiausaha Eksekutif Persatuan Menembak Kebangsaan Malaysia, Mejar Jasni Shaari berkata, berdasarkan prestasi semasa, penembak negara seperti Hasli Izwan Amir Hassan dan Nur Suryani, ia memberi petunjuk bahawa skuad negara berkemampuan untuk memperoleh pingat sekurang-kurangnya satu emas di New Delhi nanti.

KERATAN Kosmo! 25 Mac 2010. KESATUAN Olahraga Amatur Malaysia (KOAM) tidak ada kuasa untuk campur tangan dalam penganjuran Kejohanan Olahraga Majlis Kebajikan dan Sukan Anggota-Anggota Kerajaan (MAKSAK). Timbalan Presiden KOAM, Karim Ibrahim ( gambar ) berkata, pihaknya hanya boleh berharap agar MAKSAK mewujudkan semula kejohanan tersebut yang suatu masa dahulu menjadi kebanggaan negara. "Saya harap, pihak terbabit memandang serius perkara ini dan mengambil inisiatif untuk menyenaraikan semula kejohanan tersebut dalam kalendar tahunan mereka. "Bagi pihak KOAM, kami tidak boleh campur tangan kerana ia adalah di bawah bidang kuasa MAKSAK," kata Karim kepada Kosmo! semalam.

AHMAD (kanan) berhasrat untuk mengadakan AGM pada hari sambutan ulang tahun ke-50 penubuhan Persatuan Sepak Takraw Malaysia pada 25 Jun depan. PERSATUAN Sepak Takraw Malaysia (PSM) akan menggunakan perlembagaan baru pada mesyuarat agung tahunan (AGM) badan induk sepak takraw negara itu. Bagaimanapun, tarikh sebenar AGM itu belum ditetapkan kerana perlembagaan baru tersebut perlu mendapat kelulusan daripada Pesuruhjaya Sukan. Presiden PSM, Datuk Ahmad Ismail berkata, perkara itu dipersetujui sebulat suara oleh anggota Majlis Tertinggi PSM yang bermesyuarat di Petaling Jaya, kelmarin.

AZIZULHASNI tersingkir pada peringkat ketiga (repechage) dalam acara pecut individu diCopanhagen, Denmark kelmarin. "MEMPERTAHANKAN kejuaraan adalah lebih sukar daripada mengecapinya." Demikian komen Presiden Persatuan Kebangsaan Berbasikal Malaysia (PKBM), Abu Samah Wahab ketika mengulas mengenai prestasi jaguh negara, Mohd. Azizulhasni Awang pada Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Trek Dunia di Copanhagen, Denmark yang berakhir semalam. Azizulhasni, 22, turun pada penyertaan keduanya di Kejohanan Dunia dengan misi memburu dua emas dalam acara kegemarannya iaitu Keirin dan 200 meter pecut. Setelah menghadiahkan pingat perak dalam acara Keirin Jumaat lepas, pelumba kelahiran Dungun, Terengganu ini gagal mengekalkan kayuhan cemerlangnya apabila tersingkir di peringkat ketiga (repechage) acara pecut kelmarin. Kekalahan itu menyaksikan pelumba yang digelar The Pocketrocketman ini gagal beraksi pada final acara pecut semalam, sekali gus meleburkan hasratnya untuk sekurang-kurang

AKADEMI bola sepak UKRC melibatkan pelatih seawal usia enam tahun. SETELAH berjaya mencungkil nama-nama besar dalam sukan bola sepak tanah air, kini Kelab Rekreasi Hulu Klang (UKRC) terus berada di landasan terbaik bagi membangunkan sukan terulung di dunia itu menerusi program pada peringkat akar umbi. Sebagai contoh, legenda bola sepak negara, Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, Datuk M. Chandran, Khalid Ali dan Wong Choon Wah – bakat mereka dicungkil menerusi pro- gram yang dijalankan oleh UK- RC. Dengan tujuan utama penubu- han UKRC adalah untuk menyediakan pusat bagi menjalankan aktiviti rekreasi penduduk setempat, kini kelab tersebut boleh berbangga dengan kejayaan yang dilakar itu. Berdiri teguh dengan sokongan penuh penduduk setempat, UKRC dilihat benar-benar serius dalam melahirkan bakat-bakat baru bagi diketengahkan dalam sukan bola sepak. Sejak penubuhannya pada 1957, UKRC tidak pernah ketan- dusan gagal dalam melahirkan bakat-bakat muda yang dilihat mempunyai masa depan c

AZIZULHASNI (kanan) bersaing dengan Hoy dalam acara pecut Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Trek Dunia di Copenhagen. JAGUH negara, Mohd. Azizulhasni Awang gagal mempertahankan pingat perak yang dimenanginya tahun lalu selepas tersingkir pada pusingan ketiga ( repechage ) acara pecut Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Trek Dunia 2010 di Copenhagen, Denmark semalam.

AHMAD ISMAIL PERSATUAN Sepak Takraw Malaysia (PSM) akhirnya terpaksa menangguhkan mesyuarat agung tahunannya (AGM). Sebelum ini, PSM dijadual mengadakan AGM untuk memilih jawatankuasa baru bagi penggal 2010 hingga 2013 di Petaling Jaya esok. Namun, disebabkan terdapat beberapa pihak yang tidak berpuas hati dan sanggup menggunakan injuksi mahkamah bagi menghalang proses pemilihan tersebut, PSM telah menangguhkan AGM itu demi kebaikan ahli gabungan mereka. "AGM PSM yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 28 Mac ini (esok) terpaksa ditangguhkan dahulu sehingga kepada satu tarikh yang akan ditetapkan kemudian," kata Presiden PSM, Datuk Ahmad Ismail pada sidang akhbar di Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), Bukit Jalil semalam. "Saya sedih kerana masih ada individu atau pihak lain yang suka sangat merosakkan agenda dan imej PSM sejak zaman Tan Sri Khir Johari lagi. "Oleh sebab itu, demi menjaga ahli gabungan dan nama baik PSM, kami sebulat suara bersetuju menangguhkan seket

AZIZULHASNI menunjukkan pingat perak yang dimenanginya dalam acara keirin pada Kejohanan Trek Dunia di Copenhagen, Denmark semalam. BIARPUN gagal dalam misinya melunas- kan dendam terhadap Chris Hoy, pelumba sensasi negara, Mohd. Azizulhasni Awang tetap menjadi kebanggaan rakyat Malay- sia. Awal pagi semalam, pelumba kelahiran Dungun, Terengganu itu menghadiahkan pingat perak pertama kepada Malaysia dalam acara keirin pada Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Trek Dunia 2010 di Copenha- gen, Denmark. Biarpun berjaya melakar sejarah tersendiri dengan kejayaannya itu, Azizul- hasni mengakui, dia masih kecewa kerana gagal membalas dendam ke atas Hoy yang juga pemenang pingat emas Sukan Olimpik 2008. "Saya sangat kecewa kerana gagal menebus kekalahan kepada Chris," kata Azizulhasni kepada Kosmo! semalam.

Sir Chris Hoy is Keirin World Champion after a close race at the Track WC in Ballerup. The Brit won a close sprint, beating Malaysias Azizulhasni Awang by inches , while German Maximillian Levy took the bronze. Hoy is now 10 times Track World Champion, winning his first titel at the 2002 WC, also in Ballerup. "It is a special thing winning my 10th. WC gold. I won the first one here in Ballerup and I am very happy to have succes again after last years World Cup crash at this track", Hoy explained after the race. Result, Keirin 1. Chris Hoy (Great Britain) 2. Azizulhasni Awang (Malaysia) 3. Maximillian Levy (Germany)

JOHOR gagal meraih kemenangan kedua apabila tunduk 0-2 kepada Perak pada Kejohanan Hoki Piala Razak edisi ke-48 di Stadium Hoki Kuantan, semalam. Hairul Nizam Ab Rani dan Muhammad Sabri Mohamed menjadi pemusnah apabila masing-masing menjaringkan satu gol pada minit ke-48 dan 55 bagi mengutip tiga mata beharga. Pada perlawanan semalam, Perak dibimbing Manjit Singh meneruskan rentak cemerlang selepas mencatat kemenangan 3-1 ke atas Negeri Sembilan, kelmarin. Namun, Perak yang mengidam aksi di pentas final edisi kali ini terpaksa menunggu babak kedua perlawanan untuk membolosi gawang lawan. Manjit Singh berpuas hati peningkatan aksi pemain selepas mengharungi dua perlawanan. “Semangat juang mereka tinggi dan jika prestasi ini diteruskan, ia mampu memenuhi impian beraksi di final musim ini,” katanya.

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Mac (Bernama) -- Malaysia mempunyai kumpulan pemain muda yang berbakat dalam sukan bola sepak dan ianya akan dipersia-siakan sahaja jika mereka tidak mengambil sukan itu secara serius apabila dewasa nanti. Penjaga gol legenda pasukan Manchester United Peter Boleslaw Schmeichel berkata bakat pemain muda perlu digilap secara berterusan supaya mereka matang mengikut peringkat umur masing-masing. "Saya lihat masa depan yang cerah bagi pemain muda ini kereka mereka memiliki kemahiran tetapi masalahnya, mereka hanya bermain secara riadah sahaja apabila dewasa nanti," kata bekas penjaga gol pasukan Red Devils berusia 47 tahun itu.

LANGKAWI, March 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysian pair Khairunnisa Mohd Afendy and Norashikin Mohd Sayed continued their superb form to maintain their lead in the International 420 class after the third-day action at the Asian Sailing Championships in Shanwei, Guangdong, China. Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) general manager Mohd Afendy Abdullah in an email to Bernama said the duo have won all three races to stay in the lead after three days of action. Wind speeds were between 18 and 20 knots Thursday while waves rose from two to three metres on a rough day at sea, he said. --BERNAMA

MALAYSIANS will get to enjoy more local sports content on television as Astro Arena (Channel 801), the country's first 24-hour local sports channel, goes on air from today at noon. "Astro continues to be ahead of the game by bringing the best of international and now local sports to Malaysian sports fans," said Lee Choong Khay, Head of Sports Business at Astro. "We believe that Astro Arena meets the unfulfilled demand for local sports content and is able to provide more opportunities for national sports associations and other local sporting bodies to have their news and events viewed by a bigger audience on Astro's platform," "Just like how Sunday is a sports action day for most countries, we will start a new sports culture by introducing staple sports content on Astro Arena like Arena Bola Selasa and Arena Bola Jumaat which will present live coverage of Malaysian Super League matches on Tuesday and Friday nights with commentary from pu

I DON'T know about you but I am eagerly awaiting the start of Astro Arena's maiden broadcast today. It is long overdue for Malaysia to have a television channel dedicated exclusively to local sports, one where our own athletes can at last become recognisable to other Malaysians. Television, naturally, is a powerful medium to expand the popularity of sports as can be seen by the explosion of interest in the English Premier League in Malaysia over the last 15 years. While it might be too much to hope that local sports might get the same kind of exposure, at least it is a step in the right direction. For local journalists, Channel 801 will be a big boon to us when we are unable to travel to every corner of the country to cover sport events. Very often, we are left frustrated with the coverage of local sports, especially football, on television as very little information can be gleaned from the short sports news broadcasts. Even the live telecasts at times leave mu

Pemain perseorangan negara, Zulfadli Zulkiffli meneruskan kemaraan selepas menewaskan lawannya dari Korea Selatan, Le Hong Je 21-6, 21-18 pada pusingan ketiga Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Asia di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. KUALA LUMPUR - Pemain perseorangan lelaki negara, Zulfadli Zulkiffli mara ke pusingan keempat selepas menewaskan Lee Hong Je dari Korea Selatan pada pusingan ketiga Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Asia di sini, semalam. Zulfadli yang turun selaku pemain pilihan kedua kejohanan, hanya mengambil masa 29 minit untuk mencatat kemenangan 21-6, 21-18 dalam aksinya di Stadium Juara, semalam. Turut mengiringi Zulfadli ialah empat pemain perseorangan lelaki lain antaranya Loh Wei Sheng yang menyingkirkan cabaran pemain Indonesia, Shehar Hiren Rhustavito selepas mencatat kemenangan straight set 27-25, 21-17. Sementara itu, pemain bukan pilihan Goh Giap Chin berjaya mengetepikan lawannya iaitu pilihan kesembilan dari Hong Kong, Lee Chun Hei 17-21, 21-10, 21-18 manakala Lim Y

Datuk Ahmad Ismail PERSATUAN Sepak Takraw Malaysia (PSM) masih menimbang keputusan sama ada mahu meneruskan atau tidak mesyuarat agung pemilihan badan induk itu bagi penggal 2010 hingga 2013 di Petaling Jaya, Ahad ini. Presiden PSM, Datuk Ahmad Ismail ( gambar ) berkata, pihaknya masih belum membuat sebarang keputusan mengenai mesyuarat tersebut selepas ada pihak yang dikatakan cuba mencemar- kan imej PSM. Katanya, pihak terbabit juga bakal membuat permohonan injuksi di mahkamah untuk menghalang PSM daripada meneruskan mesyuarat itu. "Saya akan membuat keputusan dalam tempoh terdekat sama ada mahu meneruskan ataupun membatalkan (mesyuarat agung PSM). "Ini kerana, ada pihak mempertikaikan keputusan PSM untuk menggunakan perlembagaan lama pada mesyuarat agung pemilihan itu," katanya kepada Kosmo! semalam.

PETALING JAYA: Harimau Muda hope to get back on the winning track in the Premier League. The national Under-19 squad under Ong Kim Swee suffered three consecutive defeats following the exit of five key players, who were drafted into the senior Harimau Muda (Under-21) squad last month to play in the Slovakian League. “We are regaining our momentum,” said Kim Swee on a positive note yesterday. He said that the boys had started on a bright note, going undefeated in six matches before they lost sting after the five regulars left the team and it resulted in crushing defeats by Pos Malaysia (1-4), Police (1-4) and Felda United (1-3). Kim Swee said that the team would go all out to stop the slide when they host PKNS at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Malacca tonight. “I admit that the boys were down (after the three straight defeats) but we are getting back to shape. It is not easy to plug the gaps effectively in a short period of time, especially when you lose five key players at on

A COMPOSED Sonia Cheah Su Ya kept up her steady performances to stay in contention for a ticket to Singapore for the inaugural Youth Olympics in August. Yesterday, she won two matches to reach the fourth round of the Asian junior championships’ girls’ singles competition. She defeated Pham Nhu Thao of Vietnam 21-8, 21-2 and then blew away South Korean Kang Ga-hee 21-13, 21-13. The 17-year-old Kuala Lumpur lass will take on Castilo Gelita of the Philippines for a place in the quarter-finals and victory should give her a match against China’s Deng Xuan. Only the top five players from the girls’ and boys’ singles competitions of the Asian Juniors qualify for the Youth Olympics. And Sonia is delighted that she has taken a step closer to making it. “I want to be among the five to make the cut,” said the lanky Sonia, who stands at 1.73m tall. “The Youth Olympics is the biggest tournament for juniors and I want to be part of it. Making the semi-finals will guarantee me a pla

MALAYSIANS enjoyed a great day in the Asian junior championships boys’ singles event with promising star Zulfadli Zulkifli and four others marching into the fourth round yesterday. The others remaining to carry their challenges are Bukit Jalil Sports School’s (BJSS) Loh Wei Sheng, Goh Giap Chin, Lim Yu Sheng and Mohd Azriyn Nur Ayub. And their encouraging performances have raised Malaysia’s hopes to end an elusive chase for the Asian Juniors’ boys’ singles title. Zulfadli was in good form yesterday and he eliminated two Koreans. He laboured for a 21-17, 13-21, 21-12 win over Korean top junior Kang Ji-wook in the second round and went on to oust unseeded Lee Hong-je, winning the third-round match 21-6, 21-18. “It is great that five Malaysians are still in contention in the tournament. Hopefully, we will continue with our domination,” said Zulfadli, an independent player under the sponsorship of KLRC. Zulfadli will take on Azriyn for a place in the quarter-finals. It

PELUMBA negara, Josiah Ng (depan) dan Azizulhasni Awang menjalani latihan bagi menghadapi Kejohanan Trek Dunia di Ballerup, berhampiran Copenhagen, Denmark, semalam. - AFP KUALA LUMPUR - Azizulhasni Awang dan Josiah Ng berada dalam keadaan terbaik serta cukup bersedia untuk memulakan cabaran pada Kejohanan Basikal Trek Dunia apabila acara keirin bermula di Denmark, hari ini. Menurut Naib Presiden Persekutuan Kebangsaan Berbasikal Malaysia (PKBM), Datuk Naim Mohamad, kedua-dua pelumba amat bersemangat selepas menguji trek Ballerup Super Arena di Copenhagen Sabtu, Ahad dan kelmarin. Katanya lagi, baik Azizulhasni mahu pun Josiah, masing-masing yakin untuk memberikan cabaran kepada pelumba handalan dunia, termasuk juara Olimpik, Chris Hoy dari Britain. "Azizulhasni beritahu saya dia mahu menebus kekecewaannya di Pruzkow, tahun lalu selepas pulang tanpa sebarang pingat dalam acara keirin dan sekadar meraih perak acara pecut," kata Naim ketika dihubungi Utusan Malays

RABUAN PIT antara bekas jaguh negara yang lahir daripada Kejohanan Olahraga MAKSAK. SELEPAS sekian lama tidak dianjurkan, masa depan Kejohanan Olahraga Majlis Kebajikan dan Sukan Anggota-Anggota Kerajaan (MAKSAK) mula dipersoalkan. Meskipun ada pihak mendesak supaya kejohanan yang penuh tradisi itu dianjurkan semula, ia masih menemui jalan buntu dan sehingga kini, belum ada perkembangan positif. Untuk rekod, kejohanan itu pernah melahirkan nama-nama besar dalam lapangan olahraga seperti Rabuan Pit, Zaiton Othman, P. Rajakumari dan Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan. Malah kejohanan tersebut dianggap temasya terbesar kerana ia menghimpunkan 14 negeri selain penyertaan daripada Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dan Jabatan Penjara. Melihatkan senario itu, jurulatih maraton negara, P. Sidamparam ( gambar ) adalah individu yang paling kecewa apabila kejohanan ini semakin dipinggirkan. Sidamparam berkata, beliau tetap dengan pendirian untuk melihat kejohanan ter

IMBAS KEMBALI... Faizal (kiri) beraksi ketika menentang pesilat Singapura, Muhd. Imran Rahman pada Kejohanan Silat Dunia 2007 di Kuantan, Pahang. SELEPAS berjaya meraih emas pada Sukan SEA di Laos Disember tahun lalu, pesilat kebangsaan, Faizal Abdullah kini memburu emas dalam Kejohanan Silat Dunia di Indonesia, Julai depan. "Saya harap dengan bimbingan jurulatih, Nasri Nasir, saya dapat mencapai sasaran untuk membawa pulang pingat emas nanti," kata Faizal semalam. Sebagai persiapan untuk menghadapi kejohanan itu, Faizal kini menjalani latihan intensif lima kali seminggu di Gimnasium Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) di Bukit Jalil bersama pesilat lain. Faizal berkata, dia juga akan menyertai Kejohanan Terbuka Belgium pada Mei depan yang akan dijadikan kayu pengukur kepadanya bagi menghadapi Kejohanan Dunia di Indonesia. Mengenai cabaran di Indonesia nanti, Faizal berkata, pesilat Vietnam dijangka memberi tentangan sengit. "Secara peribadi saya menganggap pesilat Vie

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- After winning the gold at the SEA Games in Laos in December last year, national silat exponent, Faizal Abdullah is now targeting the gold medal at the World Silat Championsip to be held in Indonesia, in July. "I hope with the guidance of coach Cikgu Nasri Nasir, I can achieve the target of bringing back the gold medal in July," he told Bernama on Wednesday. In preparation for the championship, Faizal is now undergoing intensive training five times a week at the National Sports Council (NSC) Gymnasium in Bukit Jalil, together with the other silat exponents. Besides the scheduled training at the NSC, Faizal said his participation at the Belgium Silat Open Championship in May would also be used as a yardstick to gauge his preparation for the meet in Indonesia. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Eight basketball teams from around the country have confirmed their participation in the inaugural Junior Basketball League 2010 which will be held at the Basketball Court in Cheras, starting on April 17. Deputy Secretary-General of the Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) Sim Sin Heng said the association expected more teams to take part before the tournament's deadline on April 11. "We invited all the teams to join the tournament as this is the platform for them to compete at the higher level," he told reporters, here on Wednesday. Sim said the league will run for three consecutive weeks starting on April 17 until May 2 and the final round would take place on May 1 and May 2.

PETALING JAYA: All eyes will be on triple Olympic track cycling champion Chris Hoy when he makes his much anticipated world championship appearance at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen today. And all the attention on the 34-year-old in his first major competition since the 2008 Beijing Olympics suits Malaysia’s track sensation Azizul Hasni Awang just fine. The 22-year-old Azizul and seasoned campaigner Josiah Ng are the two Malaysian cyclists in the championships as coach John Beasley had opted to field only medal contenders. Hoy, who was sidelined due to a hip injury which kept him out of the championships in Poland last year, fronts a strong British squad, looking to make a roaring start in the team sprint today. Azizul will get into action with Josiah in the keirin tomorrow where he will wear the traditional white leader’s jersey for his status as the World Cup series overall winner. The Terengganu-born Azizul is cool about his prospects. “I’m not feeling th

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian rifle shooter Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi earned a big boost for herself and for the sport in the country when she won a historic silver medal in the opening ISSF World Cup series in Sydney yesterday. It was only three months ago when Malaysian shooting found itself in the dumps after failing to win a gold medal in the Laos SEA Games. But Suryani brought the smiles back with a remarkable performance in the 10m air rifle event. She was tied for eighth spot after the preliminary round on 397 along with American Beyerle Jamie and South Korean Lee Kye-rim after shooting 99-98-99-100. Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi However, Suryani bounced back with an impressive score of 103.8 in the final to claim the silver on a total of 499.8.

KUALA LUMPUR - Ekoran pembatalan pertandingan Trofi Cabaran Asia yang sepatutnya berlangsung di Ipoh, bulan depan, Persekutuan Hoki Malaysia (PHM) terpaksa mencari alternatif lain bagi memantapkan persediaan skuad negara. Timbalan Presiden PHM, Nur Azmi Ahmad berkata, perlawanan kompetitif antarabangsa sedang diusahakan, bagi memastikan prestasi pemain dikekalkan. "PHM ada menerima tawaran dari China untuk beraksi dalam beberapa perlawanan persahabatan di negara Tembok Besar itu. "Namun, ia belum diputuskan dan akan dibincangkan pada mesyuarat Exco PHM 3 April ini," katanya ketika dihubungi, semalam.

Tiada masalah jika profesional: Azmi “PERSATUAN sukan bukan kedai kopi yang boleh diperbuat sesuka hati kerana ia perlu mengikuti segala batas perundangan dan peraturan sejajar dengan Akta Pembangunan Sukan dan Akta Pertubuhan.” Kata-kata itu diluahkan pemimpin persatuan sepak takraw negeri yang melihat Persatuan Sepak Takraw Malaysia (PSM) sebagai persatuan yang langsung tidak mempunyai kewarasan berpersatuan, menghalang demokrasi serta menghina ahli gabungan negeri. Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Sepak Takraw Wilayah Persekutuan, Mohd Azmi Shaari, berkata PSM tidak akan menghadapi masalah andai segala peraturan dituruti dan pentadbiran persatuan dijalankan dengan profesional. “Tidak akan ada masalah kalau perlembagaan dijunjung dan semua pegawai melaksanakan segala urusan persatuan mengikut perlembagaan, tetapi sebaliknya ada pihak tertentu dalam persatuan bertindak sesuka hati. “Umpamanya dalam isu perlembagaan, PSM pada mulanya mahu guna perlembagaan baru sewaktu pemilihan huj

KOK CHI (kanan) melakukan cabutan pada majlis undian Kejohanan Bola Tampar Remaja Perempuan Bawah 18 Asia di Bukit Jalil semalam. LALUAN mudah menanti skuad bola tampar wanita negara pada Kejoha- nan Bola Tampar Remaja Perempuan Bawah 18 Asia edisi kelapan Mei depan. Dalam undian Kumpulan A semalam, skuad bimbingan Moh Wung Ming itu akan membuka tirai dengan menentang pasukan jiran, Singapura pada kejohanan yang dijadualkan berlangsung di Stadium Badminton Cheras itu pada 20 hingga 28 Mei depan. Selain Singapura, satu lagi pasukan yang mengisi kumpulan yang sama ialah Kazakhstan. Jurulatih negara, Wung Ming jelas berpuas hati apabila anak-anak buahnya memulakan cabaran dengan berdepan Singapura. Katanya, ini sekali gus memberi peluang untuk melangkah sekurang- kurangnya ke peringkat suku akhir. "Kita pernah mengadakan perlawanan persahabatan dengan Singapura dan tewas 2-3 tetapi saya hanya menurunkan pemain Bawah 16 dan bukan skuad utama. "Malah saya mengenali ke

SONIA gagal menyumbang mata untuk skuad negara ketika menentang Thailand pada aksi separuh akhir Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Asia di Bukit Kiara semalam. SKUAD negara mara ke perlawanan akhir acara berpasukan campuran pada Kejohanan Badminton Remaja Asia di Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara semalam. Malaysia yang turun selaku juara bertahan, menewaskan Thailand 3-1 untuk bertemu China pada perlawanan akhir hari ini. Pada aksi semalam, beregu campuran, Ow Yao Han-Lai Pei Jing menghadiahkan mata pertama negara apabila menewaskan gandingan Apisuk Inkarat-Taerattanachai Sapsiree 19-21, 21-15, 21-17. Semi finalis acara individu tahun lepas, Zulkiffli Zulfadli pula terpaksa bekerja keras selama satu jam untuk menewaskan Poodchalat Pisit 21-10, 17-21, 21-19 untuk mata kedua negara. Begitupun, Thailand merapatkan kedudukan apabila meraih mata tunggal melalui pemain wanita perseorangan, Intanon Ratchanok yang menundukkan Sonia Cheah 21-17, 21-17. Namun, tiket ke perlawanan akhir sah menjad

PENEMBAK negara, Nur Suryani Mohd. Taibi (gambar) mencatat sejarah apabila meraih pingat perak dalam acara 10 meter Air Rifle wanita pada Kejohanan Menembak Piala Dunia yang berlangsung di Sydney, Australia semalam. Kemenangan itu menjadikan Nur Suryani, 27, sebagai penembak pertama negara yang berjaya memperoleh pingat pada Piala Dunia. Dia berjaya mengumpul 103.8 mata pada pusingan akhir untuk jumlah keseluruhan 499.8 mata. Pingat emas menjadi milik Katerina Emmons dari Republik Czech yang berjaya memperoleh 104.1 mata pada hari terakhir dengan kutipan keseluruhan 503.1 mata manakala gangsa dimenangi oleh penembak Amerika Syarikat, Jamie Beyerle. Nur Suryani, penembak kelahi- ran Perak yang berkhidmat dengan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), gagal memenangi sebarang pingat emas pada Sukan SEA di Laos tahun lepas. Setiausaha Eksekutif Persatuan Menembak Kebangsaan Malaysia (NSAM), Mejar Jasni Shaari menyifatkannya sebagai suatu kejayaan besar bagi sukan menembak neg

LANGKAWI, March 23 (Bernama) -- Thick fog and slow wind speeds of three to four knots slightly hampered the Malaysian sailors' performance on the first day of the 14th Asian Sailing Championship in Shanwei, Guangdong, China. Malaysian Yachting Association general manager Mohd Afendy Abdullah told Bernama here through an SMS text tonight that there was however still hope for the Malaysians to do better in the next races. He said national junior sailor Ahmad Latif Khan was in 6th place in the first race and 3rd in the second race in the men's Optimist class. Elite national sailor Kharulnizam Mohd Afendy was 8th in the first race and 2nd in the second race, while Mohd Romzi Mohamad came in 10th in the first race in the Laser Radial class.

MELAKA, March 23 (Bernama) -- The Melaka artistic gymnastics team, spearheaded by national women gymnast Cheong See Teng, hope to win at least five gold medals in the SUKMA, scheduled in June. Melaka Amateur Gymnastic Federation Datin Rahimah Razali said the Melaka gymnastics squad would be made up of new and old faces like Cheong (17), Tracie Ang (17), Nabihan Ali (19), Tan Ing Yueh (14), Nur Azian Irdahani Abdullah (15) and Loh Hui Xin (17). "We have targetted for five gold medals but expecting for more, just like our target during the SUKMA in Terengganu two years ago," said Rahimah. In Terengganu, despite setting a five-gold target, Melaka won six gold medals from the women's artistic gymnastics, four of the total came through Cheong, Tracie contributed one while the other was won in the team event. She added that Cheong, a Bukit Jalil Sports School student had also won two gold medals when Kedah hosted the SUKMA four years ago.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) Sprint King, Anuar Manan will lead the National team's charge at the Asia Cycling Championships (ACC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on April 10. Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Abu Samah Wahab said apart from Anuar, Ahmad Haidar Anuawar, Adiq Husainie Othman, Mohd Zamri Salleh, Mohd Nur Ridzuan Zainal, Ahmad Fallanie Ali and Ng Yong Li would make up the team. "Six of the riders, including Anuar will be involved in the 180km mass start while Yong Li is down to compete in the 40km individual time trial," he told Bernama here on Tuesday. Abu Samah said based on current performance, MNCF's hopes of a medal of any colour in the ACC, would firmly rest on Anuar's shoulder. "We were reliably informed that the route for the road race involves a flat terrain and that opens up a bright prospect for Anuar as he is a natural sprinter," he said.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- National junior bowlers are performing well beyond expectations in international tournaments and this augers well for the sport's future, but the same cannot be said of the seniors. Names such as Adrian Ang, Zandra Aziela, Sin Li Jane and Siti Safiyah Amirah have been dominating the top spots in various international bowling championships in the past six months. Among the tournaments where they had strike included the 33rd Canon Open International Bowling Championship held at the Sunway Pyramid Megalanes last week and the Brunswick Euro-Challenge 2010 in Paris earlier this month. Adding into the list are the back up elite squad members Hee Kar Yen and Yusuf Abdul Raof who advanced to the quarterfinals of the men's and women's open masters category respectively, in the 33rd Canon Open International. Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress Secretary Sydney Tung told Bernama that the association was very happy with the bowlers' perf

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- Local shooter Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi created history in the annals of Malaysian shooting history by winning a silver medal in World Cup Shooting championships in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday. With the win, Nur Suryani, 27, becomes the first Malaysian shooter to win a medal of any colour at a World Cup after her feat in the women's 10m Air Rifle event. Her final effort of 103.8 points in the final round saw her finish the championship with 499.8 total points while gold medal winner Katerina Emmons from the Czech Republic gunned down 104.1 points today to take the gold with 503.1 overall points. The win was a major boost to the country's shooting fraternity, especially for the Perak-born Armed Forces shooter, since she had failed to win a gold in the Laos SEA Games last year.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- The Asian Women's Under-18 Volleyball Championship, to be held at the Cheras Badminton Stadium from May 20-28 here, has attracted participation from 13 countries. Malaysian Amateur Volleyball Association (MAVA) president Datuk Lee Jian Xian said the championship, held in conjunction with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin would involve 156 players and 78 officials. Apart from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea," he told reporters here on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Malaysian coach Moh Wung Ming said 19 players who were short listed for the championship are currently undergoing training in Sibu, Sarawak since January.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Amateur Boxing Federation (MABF) are expected to send SEA Games gold medallist Mohd Farkhan Mohd Haron to undergo training in Cuba, as preparations for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, scheduled in October. MABF secretary-general Major Maulud Othman said the training and preparations in Cuba was important as the federation hopes to win a gold in New Delhi. He added that MABF's request to send him for training in Cuba had been approved by the National Sports Council while MABF hopes to enroll Mohd Farkhan with the Thailand team that was undergoing training in Cuba. "If everything goes according to plan, Mohd Farkhan will start his training by June. It will certainly be a worthwhile experience for the boxer," he told Bernama on Tuesday. During the Laos SEA Games last year, Mohd Farkan ended the country's 42-year wait for a gold medal. Malaysia last won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games throug

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 Mac (Bernama) -- National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) executive chairman Datuk Paduka Dr Mumtaz Jaafar received an 'Award of Honorary 2nd Degree Black Belt' in recognition of he contribution to sports. The award was presented by the Malaysian Global Taekwondo Federation in conjunction with the 23rd Traditional Taekwondo Academy Invitational Championship held recently. According to a statement from YAKEB today, Mumtaz also received a 'Degree of Philosophy in Martial Arts Science' from the World Academy of Martial Arts Philosophy & Science, during the ceremony. Meanwhile, last Saturday, YAKEB held a religious for non-Muslim ex-athletes at the Sri Ramalingeswara Temple in Bangsar and was attended by about 80 former national athletes. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)'s sepak takraw team emerged as the winner of the 47th edition of the Khir Johari Gold Cup at the final at Gymnasium 2 of the National Sports Council (NSC) building in Bukit Jalil Monday evening. PDRM's team comprising national players Mohd Normanizam Ahmad, Mohd Futra Abd Ghani and Mohd Hafizie Manap got the first point. The experience of Mohd Normanizam and Mohd Futra, who were gold medalists in the 2005 Sea Games, clearly showed when they defeated the opposing trio of Zamzee Mohd Zainuddin, Mohd Ariff Busu and Afandi Abd Rahman 21-14 and 21-11 to lead Selangor 1-0. However, another national trio turning out for Selangor, namely Ahmad Sufi Hashim, Nor Shahrudin Md Ghani and Farhan Adam, revived hopes for their team when they overcame PDRM's second trio. They defeated Mohd Hairul Kaz Oto, Mohd Hasbah Ab Rahman and Nuk Akmal Firdauz Ahmad 21-11 and 21-17.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- As the Malaysian Lotus Racing Team head to Australia for their second F1 race this weekend, test driver Fairuz Fauzy will have additional duties in Melbourne, following his appointment as Sepang International Circuit's (SIC) Ambassador. SIC Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said SIC's decision to appoint Fairuz was not merely driven by the fact that he is the third driver for Lotus Racing Team but more so for his overall achievement in motorsport, his commitment and dedication in pursuance of his dreams to become a Formula One driver over the last 20 years. "I am privileged and proud to announce that Fairuz Fauzy has agreed to become our ambassador. Not only that he would be working with us to promote the upcoming 2010 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix Race but other big areas as well to promote motorsports development and road safety. "Fairuz's story is truly inspirational... like the story of

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)'s sepak takraw team emerged as the winner of the 47th edition of the Khir Johari Gold Cup at the final at Gymnasium 2 of the National Sports Council (NSC) building in Bukit Jalil Monday evening. PDRM's team comprising national players Mohd Normanizam Ahmad, Mohd Futra Abd Ghani and Mohd Hafizie Manap got the first point. The experience of Mohd Normanizam and Mohd Futra, who were gold medalists in the 2005 Sea Games, clearly showed when they defeated the opposing trio of Zamzee Mohd Zainuddin, Mohd Ariff Busu and Afandi Abd Rahman 21-14 and 21-11 to lead Selangor 1-0. However, another national trio turning out for Selangor, namely Ahmad Sufi Hashim, Nor Shahrudin Md Ghani and Farhan Adam, revived hopes for their team when they overcame PDRM's second trio. They defeated Mohd Hairul Kaz Oto, Mohd Hasbah Ab Rahman and Nuk Akmal Firdauz Ahmad 21-11 and 21-17.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- The second Malaysian Water-ski and Wakeboard National Championship in Putrajaya from March 26 to 28 has attracted 50 entries from eight countries. Malaysian Water Ski Federation (MWSF) honorary secretary, Phillipa Yoong said there has been an upsurge of interest from Malaysians as well as from foreigners, following the success of the inaugural event. "Out of the 50 entries received for the event so far, 27 are from overseas and the rest Malaysians," she said in a statement on Monday. She said water-ski and wakeboard facilities in Putrajaya has attracted Malaysians to learn water-skiing and wakeboarding, forcing the site to remain open, six days a week. The ski site also attracts foreigners who like to water-ski or wakeboard in Putrajaya apart from making side tours as their secondary diversion while in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR - Lima pelumba kelahiran Terengganu kini hampir pasti menghiasi senarai akhir skuad lebuh raya Malaysia yang bakal bertanding pada Kejohanan Lumba Basikal Asia 2010 (ACC 2010) di Dubai, Emiriyah Arab Bersatu (UAE) bulan depan. Setelah bergelar raja pecut di Le Tour de Langkawi 2010 (LTdL 2010), nama Anuar Manan tidak boleh diketepikan begitu saja kerana laluan landai di Dubai nanti pasti membuka ruang besar untuk pelumba kelahiran Kuala Ibai itu untuk melakukan kejutan terbesar di ACC 2010. Pengesahan tiket tersebut bermakna Anuar yang kini menabur jasa bersama pasukan Korea Selatan, Team Geumsan Ginseng Asia berpeluang menebus dua kehampaannya di Nara, Osaka, Jepun (2008) dan Banjarmasin, Indonesia (2009). Anuar gagal sama sekali untuk menyerlah di Nara dan Banjirmasin gara-gara laluan bergunung-ganang. Presiden Persekutuan Kebangsaan Berbasikal Malaysia (MNCF), Abu Samah Abd Wahab menegaskan, pelumba Herbalife Marco Polo Cycling Team, Ahmad Haidar Anuawar dan ton

KUALA LUMPUR 22 Mac — Selepas meraih hanya satu perak dan satu gangsa pada Sukan Asia di Doha, Qatar, penunggang ekuestrian elit negara Qabil Ambak Mahamad Fathil kini mensasarkan pingat emas pada Sukan Asia di Guangzhou, China November ini. Qabil yang akan bertanding dalam kategori “Show Jumping” dan “Dressage” di Guangzhou berkata beliau kini membuat persediaan rapi dan akan menyertai pelbagai kejohanan di dalam dan luar negara. "Saya berharap akan menyandang gelaran juara Show Jumping Piala Dunia yang akan di adakan di Geneva, Switzerland pada 14 hingga 18 April depan,” katanya kepada Bernama, di sini hari ini.

KEMENTERIAN Pengajian Tinggi telah menyalurkan RM7.2 juta kepada lapan institusi pengajian tinggi awam (IPTA) bagi menjayakan program Pusat Kecemerlangan Sukan (PKS) yang mula dilaksanakan tahun ini. Menterinya, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin berkata, lapan universiti yang terpilih dalam fasa pertama untuk dibangunkan PKS masing-masing menerima RM900,000. Universiti berkenaan adalah Universiti Malaya dalam acara bola jaring, Universiti Sains Malaysia (renang), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (kriket) dan Universiti Putra Malaysia (ragbi). Selain itu, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia bagi acara mendayung, Universiti Teknologi Mara (bola sepak), Universiti Utara Malaysia (golf) dan Universiti Malaysia Sabah (taekwondo). "PKS ini berperanan untuk memperkemaskan lagi sistem pengurusan sukan di IPT dari segi pengurusan atlet, infrastruktur dan program kecemerlangan sukan," katanya selepas melancarkan Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) sebagai Pusat Sukan Tumpuan (PST

DATUK Nicol David berjaya merangkul kejuaraan keenam Kejohanan Skuasy Terbuka Kuala Lumpur CIMB 2010. Selepas kempunan muncul juara pada edisi 2009, ratu skuasy negara ini kembali merampas mahkota kejuaraan selepas membenam pemain Mesir, Omneya Abdel Kawy pada aksi final di Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur semalam. Nicol hanya memerlukan masa selama 31 minit untuk menumbangkan pemain pilihan keempat itu dengan kemenangan straight set 11-4, 11-2, 13-11. “Saya sudah menjangkakan perlawanan ini memang sukar. Omneya bermain dengan cukup tenang kerana dia tidak kisah sama ada menang atau kalah. “Sebaliknya, saya perlu menang kerana saya bermain di tempat sendiri selain untuk menebus kegagalan tahun lalu. “Pada suatu ketika, Omneya memberi sedikit tekanan kepada saya tetapi mujur, saya dapat mengekalkan rentak permainan untuk meraih kemenangan straight set,” kata Nicol yang juga pemain No. 1 dunia. Selaku juara, Nicol membawa pulang trofi dan wang tunai US$8,550 manakala Om

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will enjoy more local sports content when Astro Arena, the country’s first local sports channel, goes on air on March 26. The 24-hour channel, which will be predominantly in Bahasa Malaysia, was launched by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek at the Wisma OCM yesterday. Astro and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will collaborate and promote Malaysian sports events regionally and internationally. “The launch of Astro Arena is timely and in line with the Ministry of Education’s recent announcement in making sports as a school subject,” said Shabery. He added that Malaysians would be able to follow the nation’s sports heroes closely, especially in major events this year including the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore (August), New Delhi Commonwealth Games (October) and Guangzhou Asian Games (November). The OCM president, Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaa’far, said that the new channel would also allow for smaller sports to gain ai

“SAYA terkejut dan tidak menjangkanya.” Itu reaksi pertama Setiausaha Kehormat Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), P Ganga Rao, semalam mengenai berita penggantungan jawatannya oleh Presiden, Datuk Nadzmi Salleh, kelmarin. Ganga, pegawai yang pernah menjadi orang kepercayaan Nadzmi, kini mendapati dirinya ‘terbuang’ selepas berita Presiden BAM kini tampak sudah berkerat rotan dengannya. “Saya tidak menjangka (digantung) sama sekali,” kata Ganga, ketika dihubungi di Melbourne, Australia. “Saya memang tidak tahu perkara ini dan hanya dimaklumkan oleh rakan-rakan dan berita yang saya dapat dari Kuala Lumpur. “Memang tidak ada surat rasmi (penggantungan jawatan) dari BAM. Saya sudah berkhidmat hampir 22 tahun dengan BAM dan saya tidak menjangka kesudahannya begitu,” katanya. Ditanya mengenai hubungannya dengan Nadzmi, Ganga berkata dia tidak pernah mempunyai masalah atau pun berselisih faham dan tidak menolak kemungkinan ada pihak tertentu cuba merosakkan hubungannya dengan Preside

Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah Tengku Kamil minta dia undur jika tak sehaluan dengan Presiden BAM SETIAUSAHA Kehormat Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), P Ganga Rao harus meletakkan jawatan dengan cara terhormat, seandainya tidak lagi mendapat kepercayaan atau menjalin hubungan baik dengan presidennya, Datuk Nadzmi Salleh. Timbalan Presiden BAM, Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah, berkata langkah Ganga itu mungkin jalan terbaik menyelesaikan kemelut yang menggoncang badan induk terbabit pada ketika ia masih bermegah dengan kejayaan Lee Chong Wei meraih gelaran perseorangan di Seluruh England.

TIMBALAN Presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah ternyata terkejut dengan penggantungan Ganga Rao sebagai Setiausaha BAM kelmarin. Menurut Tengku Kamil, beliau tidak tahu menahu mengenai penggantungan tersebut. Kelmarin, beberapa akhbar melaporkan Presiden BAM, Datuk Nadzmi Salleh telah menggantung Ganga daripada tugasnya serta-merta disebabkan beberapa salah laku termasuk mengenai isu penajaan baru-baru ini. Malah menurut sumber, Nadzmi juga telah memaklumkan keputusannya untuk menggantung Ganga kepada semua Exco BAM. "Saya tidak tahu daripada mana timbul cerita ini," kata Tengku Kamil ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam. "Saya hanya mengetahui perkara ini melalui akhbar. Sebagai timbalan presiden, saya sendiri terkejut dengan laporan ini.

KUALA LUMPUR: Four-time world champion Nicol David warded off a strong challenge from Kasey Brown before securing a place in the semi-finals of the Kuala Lumpur Open. The world No. 1 defeated the eighth seeded Australian 12-10, 14-12, 11-1 in a 43-minute quarter-final match yesterday. Nicol will meet world No. 4 and third seed Alison Waters of England for a place in the final. Waters, who will celebrate her 26th birthday today, was stretched to the limit by unseeded Samantha Teran of Mexico before prevailing 11-5, 11-2, 8-11, 11-13, 12-10 in 60 minutes. Nicol said that she had to work very hard to beat Brown. “I knew Brown would go all to get me and she gave me a good fight in the first two sets. I was glad to win in straight sets. I have to further raise my game against Waters in the semi-finals. She is another tough opponent,” said Nicol, who is gunning for a sixth KL Open title. Nicol has never lost to Waters in their last nine meetings.

KUALA LUMPUR: Ong Beng Hee played an excellent game of squash and came back from two sets down to upset world No. 16 and fourth seed Mohamed El Shorbagy of Egypt to reach the semi-finals of the CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open. The world No. 19 and eight seeded Beng Hee won 7-11, 8-11, 16-14, 11-4, 11-8 in an 80-minute quarter-final match at the Berjaya Times Square yesterday. The 30-year-old Beng Hee will play against world No.1 and top seed Ramy Ashour of Egypt today for a place in the final. Mohd Azlan Iskandar continued his excellent run to score a second upset win in the tournament. The Sarawakian, who sent world No. 10 and third seed Adrian Grant of England packing in the opening round on Wednesday, defeated world No. 17 and fifth seed Stewart Boswell of Australia 11-1, 11-8, 11-5. Azlan, ranked 18th in the world, will play against world No. 5 and second seed Karim Darwish of Egypt in the semi-finals. Darwish advanced with a 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 win over sixth seed Cameron Pille

ANUAR menunjukkan replika cek yang diterimanya pada majlis penyerahan insentif di Bukit Jalil semalam sempena kejayaan pada LTdL 2010. SELEPAS tampil cemerlang pada Kejo- hanan Lumba Basikal Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2010 baru-baru ini, pelumba sensasi negara, Anuar Manan ada satu lagi misi penting. Dengan reputasinya sebagai Raja Pecut LTdL 2010, Anuar sudah pasti mahu mengekalkan statusnya itu dengan memburu gelaran juara acara lebuh raya Ke- juaraan Berbasikal Asia (ACC) 2010 di Dubai pada 8 hingga 17 April depan. "Sudah pasti saya mahu memenangi acara lebuh raya pada ACC di Dubai nanti dan itulah misi utama saya selepas ini," kata Anuar di Bukit Jalil semalam.