13/08/2025

SPORTS WEDNESDAY | AUG 13, 2025

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M’sia target 16 gold medals in Jakarta DEFENDING champions Malaysia will send the country’s second-largest contingent to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Deaf Games 2025 in Jakarta, from Aug 20 to 26, with the mission of winning 16 gold medals and retaining the title clinched at the inaugural edition in Kuala Lumpur in 2022.

SHORTS Muhammad Azeem still best bet for glory NATIONAL sprinter Muhammad Azeem Fahmi remains one of the best assets of the national athletics squad ahead of the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, said national head coach Manshahar Abd Jalil. He said the Perak-born athlete was listed for three events, 100m, 200m and 4x100m, but a final decision on his participation would only be made after discussions between Muhammad Azeem and his coach in the United States. “He is definitely one of the best assets. If Muhammad Azeem can participate in the Thailand SEA Games, it would be comforting. “But we cannot stop him because he also has a joint commitment and a joint contract agreement with the NCAA or Auburn University,” Manshahar said after the Thailand SEA Games selection meeting at Wisma OCM in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Commenting on the possibility of an alternative plan if Muhammad Azeem cannot participate in the games, Manshahar said it is still open, especially with the Malaysian Open scheduled from Aug 29 to 31. However, among the names mentioned as a “replacement” is another national sprinter, Danish Iftikhar Muhammad Roslee. “Yes, the list of the quartet has not yet been determined. Depending on the Malaysia Open, who might be the best four or five at this level. “We have a Plan A and a Plan B but so far Muhammad Azeem has not participated in the Malaysia Open,” he said. Turtles out to maintain winning ways TERENGGANU FC (TFC) head coach Badrul Afzan Razali wants his men to maintain their winning momentum in the second match of the Super League against PDRM FC at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (SSMZA) in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu tomorrow. Badrul Afzan said the 3-0 win over Penang FC last week should serve as a motivational boost for the Turtles to collect three points at home. However, at the same time, he still reminded the players not to get too complacent and take the opponents lightly. “Alhamdulillah we managed to collect three valuable points in the opening match of the Super League at Bandaraya Stadium last Sunday. “I am optimistic that TFC can continue their excellent streak in the second match, especially since we are playing in front of our own fans,” he said when contacted yesterday. Team captain Mohamad Shahrul Nizam Ros Hasni reminded his teammates to be careful of PDRM FC’s frontline. “We cannot take the threat of PDRM FC lightly because they have their own style of play. “I hope the boys can maintain focus and discipline because it is an important factor in victory,” he said.

sports – futsal, athletics, badminton, tenpin bowling, chess, and table tennis. Meanwhile, MSDeaf vice-president Sarkunan Balakrisnan, appointed as Chef de Mission, said it was a great honour to be entrusted with the responsibility. He is confident the target can be achieved with the team’s high spirit and motivation, which will inspire more Malaysians to appreciate the capabilities of the deaf community. “For me, the closest challenger will be the host, Indonesia. However, with all our preparations, we can certainly deliver,” he said. Perlis-born athlete Zaiman Megat Abu has been chosen as the flag bearer for the Games. He is a long jump and triple jump champion who previously won gold at the 2022 SEA Deaf Games in Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama

tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. “Our athletes have previously received rewards, such as at the Deaflympics, but the money was regarded as a token and not an incentive.” At the same time, Shin Ruenn expressed his hope that one day the deaf community in Malaysia would have a dedicated building equipped with centralised training facilities. He believes such a training centre would not only enhance the performance of athletes but also serve as a symbol of ongoing support for the development of sports in the deaf community in Malaysia. A total of 80 athletes will carry the nation’s challenge this time, only 20 fewer than the host Indonesia’s largest contingent of 100 athletes. Overall, Malaysia’s contingent consists of 27 officials and 53 athletes, who will compete in six

Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) president Ong Shin Ruenn said the target comprises six gold medals in athletics, five in tenpin bowling, two in badminton, two in chess, and one in the men’s futsal event. “For the SEA Deaf Games 2025 in Jakarta, we hope the government can consider awarding cash incentives to players similar to those given to able bodied athletes, especially in conjunction with National Day, if our athletes bring home medals for Malaysia,”Shin Ruenn said through a sign language interpreter after the press conference for the

Ladies to the fore Malaysian trio ready for Maybank Championship Asean qualifier challenge T HREE of Malaysia’s women golfers, Liyana Durisic, Ng Jing Xuen and Genevie Ling are among the “players to watch” at the Maybank Championship 2025 Asean qualifier at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), starting today. Tour, registering her first top-10 in June after two prior top-20s. “I’m pretty excited about this week. The course setup is challenging, and the greens are tricky. I am managing my

so much tougher. I have improved my iron shots, and I’m looking to put them to the test here. “It’s a big deal for us this week… Playing in the tournament proper in 2023 was such a great experience, as I was 15 at that time.

“Playing alongside world-class players was great, and I learned a lot. That’s my final dream (to get onto the LPGA),” she said.

expectations and will try to enjoy my game. “Compared to China, the golf course here is

Liyana, the highest-ranked Malaysian in this week’s Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking field will be looking to repeat her feat from last year when she finished joint third to earn her spot in the Maybank Championship 2024. She has enjoyed a strong season, including victory at the 2025 PGM Royal Pekan Closed Championship and five top-10s in Australia and Thailand. “I felt really good in practice. I have my brother on the bag, and he knows my game the best. Obviously, I think of good things when I come back here, and I’m looking forward to qualifying again,” she said in a statement yesterday. “There are more players in the field – more Thai players – and it’s a very strong field. I’m looking forward to the challenge and stepping up my game. I am hitting it good and hopefully I can continue the momentum into tomorrow.” Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Jing Xuen, who made history in 2023 as the first Malaysian female to win SEA Games gold in the

Meanwhile, Genevie, the second highest ranked Malaysian in this week’s field, has enjoyed a successful season with two wins on the PGM Tour – the KGPA Closed Championship and Penang Closed Championship – while also achieving three top-10s in Taiwan in 2025. The 36-hole stroke

play event will see the top five finishers qualify for the prestigious Maybank Championship 2025, with a strong field of 69 players comprising 47 professionals and 22 amateurs from across the region. Thailand leads

women’s individual event, will also be in the spotlight after turning

the participation list with 36 players, followed by Malaysia (24), Indonesia (six), Philippines (two) and Singapore (one). – Bernama

professional this year, as she has already made her mark on the China LPGA

Liyana Durisic (left) and Ng Jing Xuen. – BERNAMAPIC

BAM set to finalise players for SEA Games

THE Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is expected to finalise its list of players for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand within a week before the national squad leaves for the 2025 World Championships, which will be held from Aug 25 to 31 in Paris. BAM doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said discussions will be held with all doubles coaches to pick the best combinations. “Give us a few more days, maybe a week, before we announce the final decision. The SEA Games does not clash with the World Tour Finals. “We are still in discussions before making a decision. If Indonesia and Thailand send their full squads, we must also ensure that our team is capable of challenging them for the gold medal,” he said after the Thailand SEA Games selection meeting at Wisma OCM in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Rexy also said several top pairs, including men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, women’s doubles

Wan Arif-Roy King and Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal. This is their chance (to bring home SEA Games medals),” he said. Aaron, who pairs with Soh Wooi Yik, previously won the men’s doubles gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines. Last week, world No. 22 Wan Arif-Roy King clinched their maiden BWF World Tour title at the 2025 Macau Open, stunning top seeds from Indonesia, Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, 22-20, 21-18. World No. 43 Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal, who have been plagued by injuries this season, have so far won three titles – the 2023 Syed Modi International and Guwahati Masters in India, and the Orleans Masters in France last year. The final list is expected to comprise 20 players – 10 men and 10 women. The 2025 SEA Games will be held from Dec 9 to 20. – Bernama

Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, are likely to be selected but stressed that nothing has been confirmed. “We appreciate comments from players such as Aaron-Wooi Yik, who wish to give young players an opportunity. “Moreover, in the doubles events, we have many talented players such as Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King and Choong Hon Jian Muhammad Haikal Nazri. However, everything must be discussed with the coaches,” he said. Aaron had on Sunday suggested that BAM consider naming Wan Arif-Roy King and Hon Jian-. in Thailand. He said the inclusion of Wan Arif-Roy King and Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal in the biennial games would align with BAM’s mission to field a strong line up in Thailand. “I think BAM should send elite back-up pairs like