23/04/2026

SPORTS THURSDAY | APR 23, 2026

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T HE Kelantan state government hopes the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor will proceed as planned, even if on a smaller scale. State Youth, Sports, Non-governmental Organisations and Community Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad said postponing the games could have a direct impact on athletes’ performance and morale. He said the state government has been pre paring for nearly two years since the conclusion of Sukma 2024 in Sarawak, involving significant commitments in terms of time, effort and finances. “Overall, we hope Sukma will go on, even on a smaller scale, in line with the view also expressed by Terengganu. “However, we respect the views of the Sultan of Selangor,” he told reporters after the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting in Kota Bahru yesterday. He said the Sukma Supreme Council meet ing on April 9 had also discussed a proposal for the games to proceed on a scaled-down basis. On Monday, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the organisation of Ukma Selangor 2026 should be postponed until the crisis in West Asia is resolved and the rede velopment of the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari had earlier said the biennial games would be held on a smaller scale to reduce costs without reducing the number of sports and events contested.

Yea or nay? Kelantan hopes Sukma Games proceed on smaller scale as debate continues

RESULTS & STANDINGS

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Brighton 3 (Kadioglu 3, Hinshelwood 56, Welbeck 90) Chelsea 0. P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 33 21 7 5 63 26 70 Man City 32 20 7 5 65 29 67 Man Utd 33 16 10 7 58 45 58 Aston Villa 33 17 7 9 47 41 58 Liverpool 33 16 7 10 54 43 55 Brighton 34 13 11 10 48 39 50 Chelsea 34 13 9 12 53 45 48 Brentford 33 13 9 11 48 44 48 Bournemouth 33 11 15 7 50 50 48 Everton 33 13 8 12 40 39 47 Sunderland 33 12 10 11 36 40 46 Fulham 33 13 6 14 43 46 45 Crystal Palace 32 11 10 11 35 36 43 Newcastle 33 12 6 15 46 49 42 Leeds 33 9 12 12 42 49 39 Nottm Forest 33 9 9 15 36 45 36 West Ham 33 8 9 16 40 57 33 Tottenham 33 7 10 16 42 53 31 Burnley 33 4 8 21 34 67 20 Wolves 33 3 8 22 24 61 17 CHAMPIONSHIP: Coventry 5 Ports mouth 1, Norwich 2 Derby 1, Oxford United 0 Wrexham 1, Queens Park Rang ers 1 Swansea 2, Southampton 2 Bristol City 2, Stoke 1 Millwall 3, West Brom 3 Watford 0, Leicester 2 Hull 2. P W D L F A Pts Coventry 44 26 11 7 90 44 89 Millwall 44 23 10 11 61 48 79 Ipswich 42 21 13 8 73 44 76 Southampton 44 21 13 10 77 53 76 Mid’boro 43 20 13 10 64 44 73 Wrexham 44 19 13 12 66 60 70 Hull 44 20 10 14 67 63 70 Derby 44 19 9 16 63 55 66 Norwich 44 19 7 18 61 53 64 Swansea 44 17 9 18 53 57 60 Bristol City 44 16 11 17 56 57 59 QPR 44 16 10 18 59 67 58 Sheff Utd 43 17 6 20 61 59 57 Birmingham 43 15 12 16 52 53 57 Watford 44 14 15 15 52 56 57 Preston 43 14 15 14 50 55 57 Stoke 44 15 10 19 50 51 55 West Brom 44 13 13 18 47 56 52 Portsmouth 44 13 12 19 45 62 51 Charlton 43 12 14 17 40 52 50 Blackburn 44 12 13 19 39 54 49 Oxford 44 10 14 20 41 56 44 Leicester 44 11 15 18 56 67 42 Sheff Wed 43 1 12 30 26 83 -3 LA LIGA: Real Mallorca 1 (Costa 49) Valencia 1 (Umar 67) , Athletic Bilbao 1 (Guruzeta 16) Osasuna 0, Girona 2 (Tsygankov 7, Ounahi 68-pen) Real Betis 3 (Roca 23, Ezzalzouli 63, Riquelme 80) , Real Madrid 2 (Mbappe 30, Vinicius 50) Alaves 1 (Martinez 90+3) . ITALIAN CUP (Semifinals, 2nd leg) : Inter Milan 3 (Calhanoglu 69, 86, Sucic 89) Como 2 (Baturina 32, Da Cunha 48) – Inter win 3-2 on agg . FRENCH CUP (Semifinals) : Lens 4 (Thau vin 9-pen, Saint-Maximin 18, Udol 35, Thomasson 74) Toulouse 1 (Hidalgo 21). CHAMPIONS RELEGATED

nificantly,” he said when contacted by Bernama . Pekan said the rising price index of goods and services could put financial strain on each state contingent, particularly those from Sabah and Sarawak. However, he acknowledged the importance of Sukma 2026 as a key platform for selecting athletes to represent the country at the 2027 SEA Games, which Malaysia will host. “We also take note of the preparation for the 2027 SEA Games. If we postpone (Sukma 2026), it could disrupt the preparation schedule for contingents and the selection at Sukma for national representation. “For example, at Sukma 2022, which was also postponed, the effect on age eligibility requirements, where performances by athletes over 21 years old, was not taken into considera tion,” he said. Meanwhile, National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin said an official statement will be issued by Mohammed Taufiq if there are any new developments. – Bernama

He was reported as saying the decision was made after the games’ top committee took into account the global supply crisis and its eco nomic impact, which is also being felt in the country. On Tuesday, national sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said His Royal Highness’ con cern over the impact of the crisis in West Asia was a far-sighted view that should be respected by all parties. Pekan said that as the host state, the Sultan of Selangor’s view carries strong justification, as the current geopolitical situation could have a knock-on effect on the domestic economy. “We must abide by the decree and, to me, when the Tuanku Sultan of Selangor has made the call, all parties have to discuss it properly, and the Sukma Supreme Committee must look at it as a priority issue that needs to be decided promptly because the Games are scheduled to be held in August. “We understand that if the crisis in West Asia continues and if we are still faced with an oil cri sis in August, surely the costs will increase sig

Gunaseelan back in the fast lane MALAYSIAN rally driver Gunaseelan Rajoo (below) is set to make his long-awaited return to the inter national stage after a 15-year hiatus by competing in the Mile Auto Rally Championship 2026 in Kunming, China. 20 international drivers, on the challenging terrain of Yunnan. Beyond competition, his participation is also aligned with efforts to promote Malaysia on the international stage in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

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The comeback marks his first competitive out ing since 2011 after previously building a reputa tion as a consistent performer in the Asia Pacific region. Gunaseelan, who once earned the nickname “Mr Consistent” during his ear lier career said the opportunity to return to international rallying holds special meaning. “This is a very special moment for

“I am honoured to represent Malaysia not just as a driver, but as an ambassador. This platform allows us to showcase Malaysia’s strengths – from tourism and healthcare to education – while building meaningful connections with our counterparts in China,” he said. As he prepares to take on the demand ing stages in Yunnan, Gunaseelan remains optimistic about his return to the sport. “This is just the beginning. I’m looking forward to more international events this year and next and to continuing this jour ney while proudly representing Malaysia on the global stage,” he said.

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me. After 15 years, to be back behind the wheel at an international level is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. “Kunming holds great

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The rally will traverse Yunnan’s scenic landscapes, with Kunming, often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” serving as its hub. Gunaseelan also expressed gratitude to his partners, including Batik Air Malaysia, which con tinues to enhance con nectivity between Malaysia and China. Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about competing in more international events. – Bernama/ Agencies

memories for me, and to return here for such a prestigious event makes it even more meaning ful,” he said in a state ment. Gunaseelan will be partnered by former World

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Rally Champion “Malay’ Chong”, who will serve as co-driver, with the event expected to feature more than 100 competi tors, including over

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win lifted the Irfan Bakti Abu Salim-coached side to sixth place with 41 points from 23 matches. KRW FC are now just two points behind fourth-placed UM-Damansara United FC, with a game in hand. Muhamad Zaki said their next match against Armed Forces FC on Saturday at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here will be vital in keeping their promotion hopes alive. Rui Jie tipped to succeed NATIONAL diver Yong Rui Jie is emerging as one of Malaysia’s strongest medal prospects for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, later this year, with technical director Yeoh Ken Nee describing him as the most consistent performer in his events. Ken Nee said Rui Jie’s steady form,

coupled with his bronze medal at the previous SEA Games, underlines his potential, particularly in the springboard discipline. “His dives are very consistent in the events he competes in. He is also a SEA Games bronze medallist. “Compared to other seniors, he is among the most talented in this (springboard) event. That is why we have high hopes he can deliver strong results at the Asian Games,” he told Bernama recently. Rui Jie made a breakthrough last year by clinching bronze in the men’s 1m springboard event, and went on to win gold in the men’s 3m synchro nised springboard alongside Nurqayyum Nazmi Mohamad Nazim. The Kuala Lumpur-born diver has continued his strong run recently, securing a double title at the national test event in Bukit Jalil, winning the 1m individual event and the 3m synchronised event with Nurqayyum.

Real Warriors eye promotion KELANTAN Red Warrior FC (KRW FC) have been warned against complacency in their push for promotion to the Super League despite a con vincing 4-0 win over Manjung City FC in the A1 Semi-Pro League on Sunday. Club president Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said the team must stay focused as the remaining matches will be crucial in determining their final league posi tion. He stressed the need for consistent per formances to ensure their promotion target is achieved. “Every remaining match is important and the players cannot take things lightly. We need to maintain this momentum to stay com petitive,” he said inw a statement yesterday. The

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