21/08/2025

SPORTS THURSDAY | AUG 21, 2025

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SIC reaffirms focus on MotoGP contract beyond 2026

RESULTS

LA LIGA: Real Madrid 1 (Mbappe 51 pen) Osasuna 0. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (qualifiers) : Rangers 1 Club Brugge 3, Ferencváros 1 Qarabao 3, Crvena zvezda 1 Pafos 2.

SEPANG International Circuit (SIC) has reaffirmed that its current focus is on securing the continuation of the MotoGP Malaysia beyond 2026, and not on the potential return of Formula 1. In a statement yesterday, SIC clarified that its Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafrima Hanif’s recent remarks referred specifically to the renewal of

and remains more accessible from both a spectator and organisational standpoint,” the statement read. For the record, Malaysia’s current contract to host MotoGP runs until 2026. Meanwhile, in the same statement SIC said they remain committed to working closely with the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), Dorna Sports S.L and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the continuation of the prestigious event, which is also the longest running international sporting event in the country. “SIC will continue to provide comprehensive data and insights on the economic, tourism and developmental impact to support informed decision-making on MotoGP’s future in Malaysia. “We value the passion shown by the public and stakeholders on this matter and reaffirm our commitment to securing the future of MotoGP in Malaysia for the benefit of fans, partners and the nation,” it said. – Bernama

MotoGP Malaysia contract, following some confusion arising from media reports. “Formula 1 remains a significant part of our history, regaining its hosting rights has proven to be both complex and costly. “The key priority is safeguarding MotoGP, which continues to resonate strongly with Malaysian fans

SIDENETTING FAM targets RM15m in sponsorship

Members of team Tapir in action during a training session ahead of the WFDF 2025. – Trio Invitational Media Team

THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is targeting RM15 million in sponsorship for 2025 to support administrative operations and the national team. FAM Sponsorship and Marketing Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya said they have, so far, secured between RM7m and RM8m in sponsorships. “This is still short and we are striving to achieve the target set,” he said at a media conference announcing the renewal of FAM’s partnership with the isotonic drink brand 100Plus. Also present were FAM deputy presidents Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi and Datuk S. Sivasundaram and Fraser and Neave Holdings Bhd’s Foods & Industry Engagement managing director Datuk Raffiq Md Ariff. Meanwhile, Mohd Hisamuddin said 100PLUS will continue to be the Official Isotonic Beverage Partner for the national team for two more years, with the total sponsorship valued at RM2m. Meanwhile, Raffiq said 100Plus was happy with the good relationship with FAM and was pleased to continue the collaboration. Bowlers set to rock Sunway MALAYSIA will host the 22nd Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships at Sunway Mega Lanes, Sunway Pyramid, from today to Aug 27. The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) said in a statement that the tournament will bring together young bowlers from 14 countries – Bahrain, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The week-long championships, organised biennially by the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) will feature several events, including singles, doubles, team and All-Events, culminating in the Masters finals to crown the individual champions. Malaysia will be represented by four bowlers in the boys’ category – Muhammad Danial Abu Samah, Wan Muhammad Zarif Ikram Wan Mazlan, Muhammad Aiman Syahin Sulaiman and Ethan Damien Goh. Meanwhile, the girls’ team comprises Adania Mohd Redzwan, Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee, Qurratu’Ain Izdihar Mohd Pozi and Nurul Anis Nabila Mohd Nizam.

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Ready to soar to soar Team Tapir flying nation’s hopes in World Flying Disc competition

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Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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confidence in their ability to compete with the rest of the teams. Jian added that despite representing Malaysia on the international stage, team Tapir is still self-funded in order to participate in the tournament. Jian also shared that the team plans to depart for Japan ahead of the tournament in order to acclimatise to weather conditions and to familiarise themselves with the competition venue. “We’ll be making thorough preparations while we’re there – drilling the players inten sively so they can adapt to the climate and be in top condition for the matches,” he said. According to Jian, every member of the team – including coaches and the physiotherapist – has spent close to RM8,000 each in personal funds to proudly represent Malaysia in Japan. “This is something we do purely out of pas sion for the sport of ultimate frisbee. We play this sports for passion – and playing in a team sport itself has taught us many valuable les sons,” Jian Shen said. theSun copy editor Eryn Tan is also part of team Tapir taking part in AOUC 2025. Three other Malaysian teams will be competing – Hornbills (Men’s division), Hibiscus (Women’s) and Harimau (U-24 Mixed). Meanwhile, Jian Shen added that the team is heading to Thailand for the 2025 SEA Games. “We are in the process of getting some aid from government. But because frisbee is a dem onstration sports, there will not be any official support unlike other official events,” he said. Unfortunately, luck was not on the young Malaysian rider’s side as he was handed a Long Lap Penalty on Lap 9 for exceeding track limits, which dropped him back to 16th position. Despite fighting his way forward, Danish could only finish the race in 13th place. This result sees the Malaysian rider drop to third in the overall standings, 26 points behind championship leader Brian Uriarte. The final and decisive round of the championship will take place in Misano on Sept 13-14.

M ALAYSIAN Frisbee Mixed Ultimate Team, Tapir, based in Petaling Jaya, will be flying off to Japan in the next two weeks, carrying Malaysia’s name in the World Flying Disc Federation WFDF 2025 Asia Oceanic Ultimate Championships (AOUC) in Kamisu, Japan, between Sept 3 and 7. The tournament, said the team’s coach Jian Shen, will bring together some of the best mixed ultimate teams from around the world, offering a rare and valuable opportunity for interna tional competition, cultural exchange, and the chance for Malaysian athletes to test their skills on a truly global stage. Jian Shen said that team Tapir, which was developed over the past two years, is now in its final phase of preparation before departing to Japan to compete in the mixed ultimate division – which features a combination of male and female players. He said the coaching staff and the players have just finalised their goals for this interna tional tournament during the recent training camp. “We are aiming to get past the pool stage and reach the knockout rounds. If we manage to make it to the semifinals, that would be a bonus for the team,” Jian Shen said when contacted by theSun . He added that the team comprises both experienced and new players, and expressed

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Hakim Danish keeps on fighting for championship WET and rainy conditions did not favour Hakim Danish on Monday in Race 1 of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup at the Red Bull Ring, Austria. running in fourth position, he suffered a crash. It was a disappointing incident, but Hakim Danish quickly got back up and continued the race, eventually finishing Race 1 in eighth place. In Race 2, with Hakim Danish determined to redeem himself after Monday’s

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He was in the second group with two other riders fighting for third place and remained consistent despite intense challenges from Kristian Danial (USA) and Manuel Gonzalez (Spain). Going into the final lap, Danish pushed hard to finish in third place. However, at Turn 3 while

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disappointment. Starting from ninth on the grid, he showed consistent pace and even climbed to second position, battling fiercely with Brian Uriarte (Spain) and Veda Pratama (Indonesia).

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