26/03/2025

SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 26, 2025

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Tengku Zafrul gets thumbs up from Chong Wei

RESULTS

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS EUROPE

NATIONAL badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei is confident that Datuk Seri Tengku Zafru Abdul Aziz, who has been nominated for Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) president’s post, has the competency to take the sport to a higher level. Chong Wei said the BAM is very fortunate that Tengku Zafrul, who is also the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, accepted the nomination because it’s not easy to convince someone of such a high calibre and reputation to helm the governing body. “Tengku Zafrul can lead BAM. He is an experienced minister who also possesses vast experience in the corporate field, having been with the CIMB Group and Maybank Investment Bank before. “Not easy for BAM to find the best candidate and for Tengku Zafrul to agree (to be nominated). He also enjoys sports and I hope he can bring badminton and Malaysian sports to a higher level in the future,” he said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.

Earlier, BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam announced that the majority of its council members had reached a consensus to nominate Tengku Zafrul as their next boss. Subramaniam stressed that the nomination highlights the need for strong and stable leadership to propel the association forward. “There is no specific nomination. We will do it on the day of the AGM. And if there is any other names? I do not know. “I have discussed wiith the majority of our council members and they unanimously agree. “We want a president who has a lot of experience and who is more well-known in a country like Malaysia, as a corporate figure, and now a Minister, maybe he will also be retiring soon. So, such experience is essential for BAM to continue,” he said. He also stressed that BAM is not a place for politicking as they are deeply committed to the sports. BAM’s election is expected to take place on May

10 during its annual general meeting (AGM). Tengku Zafrul posted on X yesterday that he was touched by the recognition from the BAM, who nominated him as their next president for the 2025 2029 term. Tengku Zafrul, who accepted the nomination, also thanked BAM for the trust bestowed upon him to lead the association. “If elected, I will serve BAM and the sport of badminton to the best of my abilities for the supporters of badminton across Malaysia,” he said. Previously, Tengku Zafrul was close to being appointed as BAM president to replace Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who initially planned to step down early last year. However, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh requested Mohamad Norza to reconsider and remain in office until after the Paris 2024 Olympics. Following the conclusion of Paris 2024, BAM decided to appoint Subramaniam as acting president until the AGM in May. – Bernama

Group G: Lithuania 2 (Kucys 39, Gineitis 69) Finland 2 (Kairinen 3, Pohjanpalo 17 pen) , Poland 2 (Swiderski 27, 51) Malta 0. Group H: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2 (Demi rovic 22, Hajradinovic 56) Cyprus 1 (Pittas 45+2) , San Marino 1 (Zannoni 67) Romania 5 (Cevoli 6-og, Popescu 44, R. Marin 55-pen, Hagi 75-pen, Alibec 90+4) . Group K: Albania 3 (Manaj 9, 19, Uzuni 90+2) Andorra 0, England 3 (James 38, Kane 68, Eze 76) Latvia 0. AFRICA Group A: Guinea-Bissau 1 Burkina Faso 2, Ethiopia 6 Djibouti 1. Group F: Ivory Coast 1 Gambia 0. Group H: Namibia 1 Equatorial Guinea 1, Liberia 2 Sao Tome e Principe 1, Tuni sia 2 Malawi 0. Group I: Central African Republic 0 Mali 0, Madagascar 0 Ghana 3. BAM restructuring to reduce Rexy’s burden BADMINTON Association of Malaysia (BAM) has finalised key coaching appointments, naming Kenneth Jonassen as the singles coaching director while Rexy Mainaky (inset) will focus solely on his role as the doubles coaching director, said BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam. The decision reached after careful deliberation by BAM is aimed at optimising coaching expertise and enhance player development across all levels. “We have discussed this extensively, and the consensus was reached with unity in mind. With Rexy now focusing on doubles and Jonassen handling singles, both departments will benefit from their respective expertise. “We want to relieve Rexy of certain Subramaniam clarified that the performance committee had thoroughly reviewed the request before reaching a decision. “The management carefully evaluated the situation before finalising the appointments. “Jonassen is highly capable of leading the singles department and we must entrust him with the responsibility,” he said. As for the replacement of Jeffer Rosobin, who previously served as the women’s singles coach, he stated that Jonassen is still on the shortlist of top candidates. The latest coaching restructuring reflects BAM’s commitment to strengthen its coaching system, ensuring that both junior and senior squads receive the best guidance moving forward. On the topic of potential pairing changes, particularly regarding Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, he stated that discussions are still ongoing. “We first need to finalise whether there will be any changes. If changes do occur, we will then evaluate the contractual aspects with BAM. Usually, these matters can be settled,” he explained. – Bernama burdens so that he can concentrate on doubles. He has three areas to concentrate on men doubles, women doubles and mixed doubles,” he said during a press conference at Academy Badminton Malaysia yesterday.

‘Situation under control’ Tang Jie says wants to remain with partner Ee Wei despite riff N ATIONAL mixed doubles player Chen Tang Jie insisted that it has never crossed his mind to part Toh Ee Wei (left) and Chen Tang Jie. – BERNAMA FILEPIC

whether it is the Sudirman Cup or another tournament. “With Ee Wei, I really appreciate what we have achieved and am really thankful for my career, my partner has a good character. “Of course I am looking for another title with her but we will see because I don’t know what the next tournament will be. “I appreciate every partner I have played with. I am always ready for whatever comes my way,” he said. Yesterday, Widianto confirmed that the Tang Jie-Ee Wei pair was temporarily suspended from any tournament following a disagreement between them at the moment. Widianto said he took the decision to give the world’s fourth ranked pair time to clear up their relationship. He said the pair’s relationship had been strained since the 2024 Paris Olympics, which saw their first appearance at the prestigious event end in the quarterfinals after losing to South Korean pair Kim Won Ho Jeong Na Eun 19-21, 14-21. Recently, Ee Wei deleted all photos with Tang Jie on her Instagram page after they fell in the first round of the 2025 All England, thus reinforcing speculation that there was a rift between them. – Bernama

ways with Toh Ee Wei instead he is leaving the decision entirely to the coaching staff for the best solution. Tang Jie admitted that he was upset at not being able to compete in the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) over the issue but he accepted the decision made by the national mixed doubles head coach, Nova Widianto. “There is indeed disappointment because the BAC is a big tournament and we have the opportunity to represent the country and possibly win a medal. “But I accept the decision because our previous performances in the All England and Orleans Masters were not very good,” he told reporters when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysia yesterday. Tang Jie said his main focus now is to continue playing badminton because for him the current situation is normal as a doubles player, hence he hopes to be able to return to chasing championships with Ee Wei. For him, the situation for both of them is still under control and he is just waiting for confirmation on the next tournament to participate,

FAM to focus on Youth Cup, President’s Cup

THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will continue to focus on the two age-group tournaments – Youth Cup and President’s Cup – following the scrapping of the U-23 Malaysian Football League (MFL) Cup for the 2025-2026 season. FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said this would allow the governing body to strengthen the organisation of the (U-18) Youth Cup and (U-20) President’s Cup to ensure the development of young talent continues to be enhanced. However, he added that FAM abides by the decision made by the MFL and is working together with the Amateur Football League (AFL) to determine the fate and continuity of the young players’ careers. “We are also prepared… we view the President’s Cup and Youth Cup as for development, so we will focus on them,” Noor

has not received any official application regarding a friendly match involving 13-time English Premier League (EPL) champions Manchester United scheduled to be held in the country in May. He said the matter is still just a rumour for now as no party has submitted an application or held official discussions with the governing body. “I’m not sure (how true the report is)… because there is no black and white, it’s just rumours. “The (organising/promoting company) should have informed FAM, maybe asked for our technical assistance,” he said yesterday. In February, the BBC portal reported that United were expected to hold two post-season matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong immediately after the EPL competition ends in May. There were local media reports claiming that United would play against the Asean All-Star team in a friendly match at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on May 28. – Bernama

Azman when met after the agreement signing between FAM and Carsome in Johor Bahru yesterday. “I have discussed with (AFL chairman) Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi for the MFL Cup to return to the A1 Semi-Pro level. That matter will be further discussed. “For FAM, we are not worried (about the scrapping of the MFL Cup affecting player development) because we have plans that need to be discussed.” Yesterday, the MFL issued a statement confirming that the league partners, comprising 13 Super League clubs, unanimously agreed to the scrapping of the MFL Cup for the 2025-2026 season. The MFL also said that the decision was taken as part of efforts to strengthen and stabilise the financial position of clubs. During the same event, Noor Azman said FAM