
SEA Games: BAM to name 20-player squad next week, says doubles coaching director Rexy
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 here today.
Rexy also said several top pairs, including men's doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, women's doubles 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.
The final list is expected to comprise 20 players — 10 men and 10 women.
The 2025 SEA Games will be held from December 9 to 20. — Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Li Peng: Pearly-Thinaah are redefining excitement in women's doubles
Different court: Ang Li Peng, who won the country's first women's doubles gold medal at the Commonwealth Games with Lim Pek Siah, was called to the Malaysian Bar in 2012. File pix of Li Peng with father Ang Chin Hiat at Jalan Duta Court Complex. Looking on are Chuan Lai Yoong (mother) and her sister Annie Ang Peng Wei. Rohaizat/Star. PETALING JAYA: Former shuttler Ang Li Peng knows what it takes to stand atop the podium and the senior is thrilled to see Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah climbing that same path to glory. Li Peng etched her name in history alongside Lim Pek Siah when they became the first Malaysian women's doubles pair to strike gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. The pair's victory was an important breakthrough and Malaysia then went on to win four women's doubles titles in the next five editions through Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty (2006), Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei (2014), Vivian-Chow Mei Kuan (2018) and Pearly- Thinaah (2022). Since then, Pearly- Thinaah have risen to become one of the most exciting pairs in the world, hitting a career-high No. 2 in the world rankings last month. "It's amazing to see each generation producing standout players. As senior athletes, we are happy to see the players evolving," said Li Peng, who is a lawyer now. "Pearly- Thinaah have a dynamic style of play. They redefine excitement for today's generation. "In my opinion, they are an all-rounded pair – strong in attack, solid in defense and capable of producing thrilling rallies." After seeing Pearly-Thinaah enjoy a fine year so far, Li Peng has backed the pair to end Malaysia's wait for a medal in the women's doubles in the World Championships from Aug 25-31 in Paris. "Pearly-Thinaah have always been one of the most consistent pairs we ever had. Given their current form, they are at their peak and their chances of winning a medal is very high," said Li Peng. "They have consistently reached semi-finals and finals in their past few tournaments and this doesn't just require skills and good strategies but mental strength as well." Pearly-Thinaah have reached at least the semi-finals in five out of their past six tournaments. Overall this year, the duo have captured the Thailand Open and finished runners-up in the Japan Open, Indonesian Open and Masters. Li Peng also believes that returning to the same venue as the Paris Olympics - the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle - will give Pearly-Thinaah huge motivation in the world meet. In the Olympics last August, the pair created history by becoming the first Malaysians to reach the last four of the women's doubles in the showpiece event. "Psychologically, it will help to play in Paris again after the Olympics. They are familiar with the stadium," said Li Peng. "The moment they step into the stadium, their spirits will be lifted and they will be highly motivated." Pearly-Thinaah have received a bye in the first round and will likely play Hong Kong's Lui Lok Lok-Tsang Hiu Yan in the second round. Meanwhile, Malaysia will also be represented in the women's doubles by world No. 18 Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee. The pair, who have improved steadily since combining last year, have also been given a bye in the first round and could face world No. 19 Bulgarian sisters Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva for a place in the third round.


Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
SlamFest 25: APAC wrestling takes Malaysian talent global with WWE ID superstars in historic showdown
PUCHONG, Aug 14 — Are you ready for one of the biggest pro wrestling shows in Malaysia? Announced a few months ago, APAC Wrestling Ground Zero will host a major event — SlamFest 25 — on August 30 at Stadium Juara. This upcoming event won't be your typical local wrestling show, as for the first time ever, WWE's Independent Development (WWE ID) stars will be making their way to Malaysia to go toe-to-toe with local talent. If you're curious to know, WWE ID is a programme that helps independent wrestlers work towards joining WWE, where it focuses on developing talent by providing mentorship, training, and access to WWE's world-class resources. Professional wrestling fans will know WWE as the largest Pro wrestling company in the world, based in the United States, and while WWE has previously held shows in Malaysia — once in 2002 and again in 2014 — it's the first time WWE, through their WWE ID programme, is officially collaborating with a Malaysian wrestling promotion. At today's press conference at Spacerubix Puchong, APAC Wrestling co-founder Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Farid said SlamFest 25 aims to put Malaysian wrestling on the map and gain the global recognition it deserves. 'This is also an opportunity for all the APAC wrestlers to get noticed by a big wrestling promotion like WWE. 'I've worked hard, and it's not easy for a small wrestling promotion in Malaysia to be given this kind of chance,' said Shaukat. 'This is our opportunity to prove that wrestlers in Malaysia are world-class — and capable of producing future WWE superstars. 'All the blood, sweat, and tears I've poured into building the pro wrestling scene in Malaysia, this is the culmination of it,' he added. APAC Wrestling co-founder Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Farid (centre) with fellow wrestlers at the press conference. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Shaukat will be in the main event, facing 'The Maharaja' Raj Dhesi (formerly known as WWE's Jinder Mahal) — a former WWE Champion — marking the first time a wrestler from South-east Asia goes face-to-face with a former WWE Champion. 'To become a WWE champion means you are at the very top of the pro wrestling industry, no questions asked. 'I'm going up against somebody who has been at the very top of the industry, and obviously, there is going to be pressure,' said Shaukat. 'However, it only means I'm very passionate about my craft, my performance, and what I share with the audience. 'It's also going to be an opportunity for me to prove to the bigger corporation that I am just as much of a star as Raj Dhesi is,' he added. More action-packed matches are lined up, such as the APAC Wrestling Champion 'Dreamkiller' Azroy, who would face WWE ID champion Cappuccino Jones. Another milestone moment will see Nor 'Phoenix' Diana, the current APAC Wrestling Women's Champion, test her skills against WWE ID Women's Champion Kylie Rae — a name well known on the American pro wrestling scene. 'Kylie is the WWE ID Women's Champion, and she is the face of WWE ID, and of course, there is pressure, but I'm also a champion. 'Wrestling Kylie is something I have dreamed about, so to wrestle her is going to be part of my growth as well,' Phoenix added. It's not the only women's wrestling match taking place, as international wrestlers like Tarlee the Australian powerhouse, Crystal — the Philippines' hard-hitting queen — Japan's living legend Mio Shirai, and Kira Summer — the rising Australian and Japanese superstar — will face off in a Femme Fatale Four-Way to determine the number one contender for the APAC Women's Championship. In addition, a Tag Team Cup Gauntlet will take place, featuring four teams of Damian Slater & Marcius Pitt (TMDK), Mighty Eddie & NYC, Konrad Kai & The Eurasian Dragon, and CBK & 'The Philippine Dream' Julio. Other matches listed for the event are: • Serigala vs Mikey Broderick • Alfa Nazri vs Sean Legacy • Double K vs Jordan Oasis A close-up of the APAC Wrestling Championship belt. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Featuring 24 wrestlers and eight exclusive matches, SlamFest 25 will also be streamed live to fans worldwide via CloudJoi and Shaukat's official TikTok — from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo, Sydney, and beyond — with prices from as low as RM35. In just two weeks, the anticipation is building as APAC Wrestling prepares to hit a major milestone, highlighting how far the local pro wrestling scene has come, where it has grown from grassroots beginnings to earning international attention, with even global giants like WWE recognising the talent emerging from the region. It's a show — and a moment — not to be missed, happening just a day before Merdeka, and what better way to celebrate? Expect SlamFest 25 to deliver pure sports entertainment — packed with drama and action, just like what fans would see in WWE or other major professional wrestling shows. 'For wrestling fans, this is the show where you'll want to come out and support your local talent and athletes,' said pro wrestler Double K. 'With SlamFest 2025, I've succeeded in opening the doors so that over the next 10 years, a new generation of professional wrestlers from Malaysia can be seen on WWE TV — which I believe is possible. 'This would not have been achieved without the support of my fellow students and wrestlers,' Shaukat concluded. Fans can still get their tickets here.


The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Swimming-Phelps brands USA Swimming leadership weak, demands systemic overhaul
FILE PHOTO: Apr 5, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps looks on during the first half of the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo (Reuters) -Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming's leadership, with the 23-times Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organisational decline. The 40-year-old American, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he might not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the United States. Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, was "told to be grateful for the chance to compete" and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the peace. "First, I must be clear that I have the utmost respect for the U.S. swimmers that competed at the World Championships," Phelps, who retired in 2016, wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement. "My criticism is in no way directed at them – I know how hard they work and how honoured they are to represent the U.S. National Team. My criticism is about the system, its leadership, and how it's failing. "There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I've seen those cracks grow." Reuters has contacted USA Swimming for comment. Phelps compared the success of the U.S. swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year when they slumped to their lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens. "POOR LEADERSHIP" Phelps also revealed that he sent a letter to USA Swimming earlier this year addressing his "frustrations with the current state of the sport," which was shared with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee outlining his concerns. He said he had the support of former Olympic medallists, world record holders, coaches and current and former staff members but added that the letter "seemed to fall on deaf ears". "I've asked myself what's changed in our sport and the answer is clear ... this isn't on the athletes as they continue to do the best they can with what they've been given. This is on the leadership of USA Swimming," he added. "Poor leadership trickles down and can impact an organization at every level. "Money is a factor. But poor operational controls and weak leadership are a cornerstone of the sport's problems." Phelps proposed a series of reforms, including an independent review of USA Swimming's Board of Directors and its organization, improving athlete services and strengthening grassroots efforts to reverse membership decline and foster growth. "I offer up my service to be a resource in these proposed initial steps and I am hopeful that the USA Swimming community will accept my offer," he added. LOCHTE CRITICISM Earlier this month, Phelps, along with six-times Olympic champion Ryan Lochte, made their disappointment clear after the U.S. team's performance at the World Championships in Singapore. Lochte shared an image on social media of a tombstone with the inscription: "In loving memory of United States Swimming. They set the bar high -- until they stopped reaching for it." Lochte added a caption referencing the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, saying: "Call it a funeral or call it a fresh start. We've got 3 years." Phelps shared Lochte's post and added: "Is this the wake-up call USA swimming needed?" Despite early struggles in Singapore, the U.S. finished top of the medals table with nine golds and 29 medals overall. (Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)