14/06/2025

SPORTS SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

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Turtles eye third spot in Sepak Takraw League

SHORTS Mohd Nidzam new NSFC coach

THE Terengganu Turtles are optimistic of finishing the 2025 Sepak Takraw League (STL) season in third place. Terengganu Sepak Takraw Association (PSNT) president Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abdul Rahman said the target was based on the team’s current line-up and their performance last season. He said the combination of experienced players and young talent this season would strengthen the

Faisal Muhamad, had been drawn into a “group of death” with Division One champions Melaka Titans and reigning STL champions Negeri Sembilan Antlers for the first Grand Prix, which will take place in Terengganu from June 17 to 21. Nevertheless, he said the challenge would not dampen the team’s spirit to fight and win the first Grand Prix on home turf. “Playing at home, we are confident that we can be a top contender when the tournament kicks off this Tuesday,” he said. Last season, Terengganu Turtles finished fifth in the STL standings. – Bernama

our two national players, namely Muhammad Zulkifli Razak as tekong and Muhammad Khairul Aman Mohd Rosdi as striker, we have also engaged Thai import player Kittipong Jaibon to bolster the team,” he said at the Terengganu Turtles Player Introduction and Sponsorship Ceremony on Thursday night in Kuala Terengganu. “The team has retained last season’s left apits Muhammad Zulhusni Basri and Muhammad Afif Jazimin Zainal Abidin. “We have also signed former Melaka Titans killer Mohd Khairol Zaman Hamir Akbar and Malaysia B squad tekong Muhammad Amar Roslan.” Meanwhile, Tengku Zaihan said the Terengganu Turtles, coached by Mohd

NEGERI SEMBILAN FC (NSFC) has appointed former Selangor FC coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil as the team’s head coach for the 2025/2026 season. NSFC chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the appointment of 45-year old Mohd Nidzam reflects the club’s commitment to strengthening team preparations and setting a new, more progressive and sustainable direction. “Mohd Nidzam is a highly experienced figure in the Malaysian football scene, both as a former national player and a high-profile coach. “His expertise in youth development and modern tactical approaches is expected to empower NSFC in facing an increasingly competitive Super League,” he said in a statement in Seremban yesterday. Aminuddin said NSFC has also signed several key players, including striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, goalkeeper Muhd Azri Abd Ghani and defender Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee. “As part of our long-term strategic plan, NSFC is focusing on developing local talent, especially young Negeri Sembilan players, supported by the coaching staff and senior players to ensure they receive holistic guidance on and off the pitch,” he said. He added that to further strengthen the squad, the club is finalising its list of foreign players, with an announcement expected soon. “The inclusion of import players will complete the team structure with a balance of international experience, on field leadership and technical contribution that can elevate the overall NEGERI SEMBILAN Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has been appointed as the new chairman of the Negeri Sembilan Football Club (NSFC), effective Thursday, replacing Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri. Tunku Syed Razman, who is also president of the Negeri Sembilan Football Association (PBNS), said the appointment reflected a continuous commitment to strengthening the team’s governance structure, particularly through a clear separation of roles between PBNS as the state’s football governing body and NSFC as the professional entity managing the team. “With this appointment, PBNS can now focus on strengthening grassroots development and the state’s football structure, including youth development, local tournaments and coaching. “Meanwhile, NSFC will continue to operate as a competitive professional club at both national and regional levels,” he said in a statement. Tunku Syed Razman also expressed confidence that Aminuddin’s leadership would enhance strategic cooperation between the state government, PBNS, and stakeholders in efforts to establish NSFC as a high-performing, sustainable and respected club. Meanwhile, Aminuddin described the appointment as a great responsibility, noting that NSFC was a football institution not only with a legacy in Malaysian sports but also a source of pride for the people of Negeri Sembilan. “I am honoured to accept the appointment as NSFC Chairman. Football is not just a sport – it is a vehicle for unity, a symbol of the state’s identity, and a youth development platform that can unite people from all walks of life.” standard of play,” he said. … with Aminuddin as chairman

team, in addition to the presence of an import striker from Thailand. “Bes ides

Pearly Tan (left) and Thinaah Muralitharan. – BERNAMAPIC

Get it done! BAM president wants quick resolution to Pearly-Thinaah contract issue

B ADMINTON ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (pic) has called for a swift resolution to the contract issue involving Pearly Tan and M.

we want to focus on, like I said, the outcome,” he said. In other badminton news, national mixed doubles player Toh Ee Wei said she is finding her rhythm again with partner Chen Tang Jie after they were reunited in April. However, she said there is still a lot of work to be done before she and Tang Jie could restore their performance to its previous peak. “At the Singapore Open, we didn’t perform well. But we tried to get our focus back at the Indonesia Open, and we entered the semifinal,” she said when met at a training session at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) yesterday “I think we are slowly regaining our form. There is more to improve and we need to keep training hard.” In March, the Badminton Association of Malaysia announced that the world No. 4 pair would be split to allow the coach to try new combinations following tension in their partnership. However, Tang Jie and Ee Wei were reunited at the recent Sudirman Cup and helped Malaysia reach the quarterfinals. – Bernama “Player registration for the tournament is still open until June 21 and involves various age categories, ranging from under six years to a new category for seniors aged 65 and above,“ he said. Meanwhile, Wong noted that the tournament’s venue, Berjaya Penang Hotel, located in the heart of George Town and recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site, will provide additional attraction for participants and visitors as they can enjoy the unique local culture, food, and heritage after their matches. According to him, the championships is not only a platform for competition but also for strengthening regional relationships, fostering interest in mind sports among the younger generation, and introducing Penang as the new Asean chess capital. – Bernama

national players at a training session at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Previously, the media reported that the women’s doubles pair has yet to renew their BAM contracts, which expired last December.

Thinaah, expressing hope that the pair will remain with the national setup. He said it is important to maintain stability and focus within the national team setup, especially for players preparing for major tournaments. “Sometimes, things like this will not be good if you want to be 100% focused on what you want to do. “Secondly, to me, we need to make sure that we keep all the players within BAM. So I have asked management to please try and make sure they stay,” he told reporters after visiting the

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future with BAM, Pearly and Thinaah have continued to perform well, capturing the Thailand Open title last month and finishing runners-up in the recent Indonesia Open. Tengku Zafrul also said BAM is still working on strengthening the guidelines for players transitioning out of the national team. “I think we need to look at this objectively because we don’t want to rush into making any decision. “But at t h e same time,

Penang to host Asean+Age Group chess championship PENANG will host the 23rd Asean+Age Group Chess Championships, with over 500 participants expected from July 1 to 11.

promote the state’s tourism destinations.” Also present were Penang Chess Association President See Swee Sie and Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) Director Harry Chai Heng Hua. Wong mentioned that the championships, which began in 2000, has grown into an international platform with participants not only from Asean but from all over the world. He added that this year’s tournament offers direct titles from the International Chess Federation (FIDE), making it a golden opportunity for ambitious players to advance their chess careers to a higher level. “This is an honour not just for Penang but also for Malaysia. We want to invite everyone, whether experienced players, students, parents, or chess lovers, to participate and make this championships a success.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai stated that the state was chosen to host the tournament as it aligns with Malaysia’s role as the Asean Chairman in 2025. “This international tournament in July will gather over 500 players and coaches from around the world, especially from ASEAN countries and China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Russia, and the United States,” he said at a press conference in George Town yesterday. “Penang is very proud to be the Asean chess capital. It’s not just a battle of wits but also a platform to strengthen regional ties and