08/08/2026

SPORTS SATURDAY | AUG 8, 2026

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CDM feels pressure to keep momentum MALAYSIA’S chef de mission (CDM) to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, admits feeling under pressure following the national athletes’ outstanding perform ance at the recently concluded Glasgow Commonwealth Games. He said the encouraging showing in Glasgow had indirectly raised expecta tions on the Malaysian contingent for next month’s Asiad, while acknowledg ing that it would be a tough act to fol low. “I feel a bit under pressure when we consider the outstanding Commonwealth Games achievement. It was unexpected as much as it was encouraging, as we’ve never done so well at the Commonwealth Games. “So, we will definitely feel the pres sure to keep the momentum going at the Asiad, but I’m confident that with the athletes we have and the sports we will be competing in, we have several sports that will deliver medals,” he told reporters after visiting the national squash team’s training centre. Malaysia exceeded its five-gold tar get at the July 23-Aug 2 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, returning with eight gold, three silver and five bronze medals. The performance marked the coun try’s best-ever haul of gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and pro vided a significant boost ahead of the Asiad, which will be held in Japan next month. Commenting on Malaysia’s official medal target for the continental multi sport Games, Mohd Sumali said it would only be announced after receiv ing the green light from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), National Sports Council (NSC) and Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS). “We will discuss it with OCM, NSC and KBS first. Once there is a decision and approval, then we will announce the target,” he said. Mohd Sumali said Malaysia would be counting on several sports to con tribute medals in Aichi-Nagoya, with the athletes’ recent Commonwealth Games success providing added confi dence. However, he stressed that perform ances at the Commonwealth Games could not be used as the sole bench mark for the Asiad, which features a stronger field across a wider range of sports. – Bernama NATIONAL sprinter Danish Iftikhar Muhammad Roslee finished eighth in the men’s 100m final at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Oregon, the United States, yesterday. The 19-year-old clocked 10.44 seconds to finish eighth among nine sprinters. American Tate Taylor won the gold medal in 9.94 seconds, with Jamaica’s Gary Card (10.15s) and South Africa’s Marko Fereira (10.16s) taking silver and bronze respectively. Earlier, Danish Iftikhar became only the second Malaysian sprinter to reach the 100m final at the World U-20 Athletics Championships. Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi was the first, finishing fifth in 10.14s at the 2022 edition in Cali, Colombia. The then 18-year-old Muhammad Azeem also set a new national 100m record of 10.09s in the heats. – Bernama Danish Iftikhar finishes eighth

Chelsea, JDT set for first-ever clash

FIVE-TIME English Premier League (EPL) champi ons Chelsea FC will face Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) for the first time in a pre season friendly at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri tomorrow. The match, which kicks off at 8pm, will be Chelsea’s final fixture of their Asia-Pacific (APAC) pre-season tour before they return to England to prepare for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign. Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso said the club are looking forward to playing in Johor after receiv ing tremendous support from fans throughout their regional tour. “The good thing is that wherever we go in the world, the support is always there. The fans make a great effort to come and watch us play. “I know some people from JDT, including Luis Garcia, and we’re looking forward to the match in Johor,” he said in a statement yesterday. The Blues have been fine-tuning their prepara

achieved, but we’ll also approach the match with confidence and the ambition to perform at our best. “Playing a pre-season match in front of our sup porters makes it even more special.” The match will also provide a tactical battle between two Spanish coaches, with Alonso and Munoz expected to use the encounter to further prepare their squads for the upcoming domestic and continental competitions. For JDT, the meeting represents a rare opportu nity to test themselves against one of England’s established top-flight clubs, while Chelsea will be looking to end their APAC tour on a positive note before turning their attention to the new Premier League season. – Bernama

tions for the new season during the Apac tour, hav ing recently faced Italian club Juventus at the Hong Kong Football Festival and scheduled to take on AC Milan in Jakarta today before travelling to Johor. The London club have also been integrating new signings Danny Welbeck, Geovany Quenda and Joao Pedro into the squad as Alonso continues to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new campaign. Meanwhile, JDT head coach Xisco Munoz described the fixture as an important opportunity for both the players and the club. “Facing a club like Chelsea is an excellent oppor tunity for our players and our club, in terms of both football and widening the JDT brand,” he said. “We have great respect for what they have

Must-win showdown

National interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe (left) and Harimau Malaya midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal during yesterday’s press conference – BERNAMAPIC

Wan Kuzain in line to start as Cheng Hoe hints at changes against Philippines

H ARIMAU MALAYA midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal is in line to make his first start of the 2026 Asean Cup against the Philippines in their final Group B match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras today. Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe hinted that the United States-based midfielder could be drafted into the starting XI as Malaysia seek a win ning combination for the must-win encounter, which kicks off at 9pm. “We know that several players, including Jimmy Raymond (defender), were injured during our Aug 1 match against Thailand, which Malaysia lost 2-0, so we are looking for his replacement. “Wan Kuzain has also settled in well with the team and has shown encouraging form. We will assess whether to retain the same starting XI or make some changes,” he told a pre-match press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The 27-year-old’s presence alongside Cheng Hoe at the press conference further fuelled speculation that he could be handed his first start

points from three matches, while Myanmar and Malaysia are level on six points each. Myanmar hold second place on goal difference, with the Philippines fourth on three points and Laos bot tom without a point. Malaysia therefore face a straightforward but demanding equation: they must beat the Philippines and hope Thailand avoid defeat against Myanmar in the other final Group B match. A victory would give Malaysia nine points, but Myanmar could still qualify if they also defeat Thailand, leaving goal difference potentially deci sive. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. For Cheng Hoe, the immediate task is to ensure Malaysia focus on what they can control while dealing with injuries and the pressure of a decisive final group match. The Philippines, despite sitting fourth, cannot be taken lightly, with Cheng Hoe previously warning that the side possess players familiar with Malaysian football and have the ability to threaten in attack. – Bernama other related aspects, to be considered. “We want to ensure that whatever he needs to continue his career can be looked into, including sports science, medical support and training. “We will look at all these aspects and make sure the support provided is suitable for him,” he said. Azizulhasni recently ended a 16-year wait to become a Commonwealth Games champion after winning the men’s keirin gold medal at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, Scotland. On Monday (Aug 3), the former men’s keirin world champion said a decision on whether he will compete at LA 2028 must be finalised before next month’s Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from Sept 19 to Oct 4. Azizulhasni was previously part of the RTG pro gramme for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. – Bernama

of the tournament. Cheng Hoe said his players were aware of the importance of the match and must maintain their discipline, focus and concentration throughout the 90 minutes against the Philippines. Wan Kuzain, meanwhile, said he was ready to contribute regardless of whether he starts or comes on as a substitute. “It doesn’t matter whether I’m fielded in the starting XI or as a substitute. If given an opportu nity for five minutes, 20 minutes or 90 minutes, I will give my everything for the team. “That decision lies with the coach. What is important is that I seize every opportunity that is given and hope that I can make an instant impact and help the team to victory,” he said. Wan Kuzain has impressed in his two appear ances as a substitute, including scoring a free kick in Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Laos on July 28. His ability to provide an attacking threat could prove valuable against the Philippines, particu larly with Malaysia needing a positive result to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Thailand currently lead Group B with nine

KBS weighs support package for Azizulhasni’s LA 2028 bid THE Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is assessing the support required by national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang as he weighs the next phase of his career, including in sports sci ence, medical support and training. conference in Putrajaya yesterday. “I think the discussion was very positive and we will discuss the matter in greater detail. “Once a decision has been finalised, we will make an official announcement.”

He was responding to questions on the MNCF’s proposal for KBS and NSC to consider bringing the 38-year-old Terengganu-born cyclist back into the Road to Gold (RTG) programme. The media previously reported MNCF president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill as saying that the federa tion would convey its request to KBS and NSC to allow Azizulhasni to continue his bid for another Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA 2028). Taufiq said the ministry hoped Azizulhasni would continue giving his best for the country, with all his requirements, including technical and

Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry had sent a representative to meet the 2026 Commonwealth Games men’s keirin gold medallist to discuss his requirements in greater detail. “I have discussed with him (Azizulhasni) regard ing his plans and so on. “From what I understand, he is still waiting for KBS and the National Sports Council (NSC) to consider his participation in the next sporting event. “Yesterday’s meeting was also attended by Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) technical director John Beasley,” he told a media