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Darrshan hopes to rise higher as he's set for US collegiate tennis

Darrshan hopes to rise higher as he's set for US collegiate tennis

The Star20-07-2025
Darrshan during the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group IV promotional playoffs at the National Tennis Centre. Credit - Tennis Malaysia
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Sports can unite all Malaysians, says prime minister
Sports can unite all Malaysians, says prime minister

Free Malaysia Today

time19 minutes ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Sports can unite all Malaysians, says prime minister

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre) at the Olympic House groundbreaking ceremony, flanked by Olympic Council of Malaysia president Norza Zakaria (left), and youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh (right). KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed the power of sports in unifying Malaysians across ethnic and cultural lines, saying it brings people together in shared support for a common cause. 'Whether in football or badminton, everyone is gathered together and wants one thing — for their team to win,' he said. 'It doesn't matter whether they are Malay or Chinese, Dayak or Indian. They are Malaysian.' Anwar was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Olympic House, which will serve as the new headquarters for the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Olympic Council of Malaysia president Norza Zakaria for working hard to ensure the sports complex is built. The event was also attended by youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh and Olympic Council of Malaysia president Norza Zakaria. In June last year, Anwar said shared interests and team spirit, cultivated through sports, had the capacity to bridge urban and rural communities, while also transcending ethnic and religious divides. Today, the prime minister drew a sharp contrast between the camaraderie found in sports and the divisiveness of politics. 'In politics, people tend to 'kill' one another,' he lamented, noting the lack of sportsmanship in political discourse. Commenting on the Olympic House, Anwar said the new complex would not only attract sports enthusiasts but also engage the wider public, especially the youth. He expressed hope that the housing of more than 50 sports organisations under one roof would foster collaboration and constructive dialogue. 'They must give ideas, suggestions and criticisms to enhance Malaysian sports,' he said. The prime minister commended Norza for his dedication in ensuring the project's realisation. Speaking separately, Norza said the RM93 million project, undertaken by Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) through a land swap deal, is expected to take between 24 and 36 months to complete. According to Norza, the Olympic House is set to become Malaysia's first green-energy sports headquarters, designed to serve both people and the planet. 'What makes this project even more meaningful is the way it's being shaped. It will be a building that does not just serve people but also honours the environment at the same time.' He said the complex will incorporate sustainable materials, alongside energy-efficient features, including solar panels, smart lighting and natural ventilation. It will also boast rainwater harvesting systems and native landscaping to enhance comfort while minimising adverse environmental impact. 'Over 26% of the site will be dedicated to green space,' Norza added. 'It will be a place that reflects the values we want to live by.' The building will be located near the National Hockey Stadium and will be modelled after the International Olympic Committee's headquarters in Switzerland.

Anwar warns against hooliganism in football, says sports must unite Malaysians not divide
Anwar warns against hooliganism in football, says sports must unite Malaysians not divide

Malay Mail

timean hour ago

  • Malay Mail

Anwar warns against hooliganism in football, says sports must unite Malaysians not divide

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that there is no room for hooliganism or violence in sports, particularly football, as such behaviour goes against the spirit of sportsmanship. He said sports should serve as a unifying force among Malaysians of all backgrounds and must not be tainted by unruly or divisive conduct. 'Everyone supports their team or their state or their province, but that does not allow them to create chaos and tolerate hooliganism. So we'll make a difference. Don't import that culture of hooliganism in sports as you read and see and watch on television from the experience of other countries,' he said in a speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of Olympic House here, today. Also present was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. Anwar said while passion in sports was natural, it should not be used to justify behaviour that contradicted the values of sportsmanship. 'People cry when they win and they cry when they lose. You know, which means you cannot deny the passion. But it does not warrant them to take actions which run contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship,' he said. He added that greater tolerance was needed, as 'intolerance runs contrary to the very spirit of sports — which is about bringing people together, embracing differences, and sharing a deep passion.' Anwar also highlighted the unique role of sportsmanship in uniting Malaysians across racial lines, noting that such values were often absent in politics. 'There's no language in politics for sportsmanship. Politics is where you kill one another — I mean, not literally, hopefully. But only in sports, not in culture, not in the arts, not in economic rivalry. 'But in sports, there is this term called sportsmanship, which essentially means you must work hard, try to excel and win — but also accept that the best man, woman, or team will win. And that is the spirit of sportsmanship,' he said. Reflecting on Malaysia's past, which was at times marked by racial antagonism, Anwar recalled how sports like football and badminton served as powerful unifying forces during those difficult periods. 'It doesn't matter whether he's Malay, Chinese, Dayak or Indian — we consider them all Malaysian. And that's what I feel we need to promote. But of course, we also need to excel. 'So everybody's waiting — under Hannah and now with Norza (Olympic Council of Malaysia President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria) — where we expect at least one gold medal from the Olympics. Otherwise, they'll be in trouble,' he said jokingly. Sharing a personal anecdote, Anwar said he often advised his grandchildren, who sometimes got upset after losing in games like chess or football. 'I said, I told them that's not the spirit. The spirit of course, is to win, but the sportsmanship, the term sportsmanship is such a value-laden term. You do try your best, you try and excel, but you accept it (loss) in a sportsman's fashion,' he added. — Bernama

Humansa Powers Chubb UTS Hong Kong 2025 with Humansa
Humansa Powers Chubb UTS Hong Kong 2025 with Humansa

Malay Mail

timean hour ago

  • Malay Mail

Humansa Powers Chubb UTS Hong Kong 2025 with Humansa

Strategic Partnership with HKCTA Set to Elevate Tennis Development and Promote Health and Longevity in Hong Kong From left to right: Mr. Michael Cheng, President of the HKCTA, Don So, CEO of Humansa, Chinese star Mr. Zhang Zhizhen HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 7 August 2025 - Humansa, Asia's premier health and longevity centre, is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Chubb UTS Hong Kong 2025 with Humansa, marking a significant milestone in its strategic partnership with the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association (HKCTA). The collaboration highlights Humansa's dedication to advancing tennis as a scientifically validated approach to longevity while introducing innovative health solutions that benefit athletes and the core of Humansa's support for tennis lies our mission to extend healthspan and lifespan through evidence-based innovation. Tennis has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective activities for longevity, with research indicating that participating in regular exercise such as tennis can potentially add up to 10 years to a person's remarkable benefit stems from tennis's unique combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise that enhances cardiovascular health and muscle strength, its high-intensity interval elements that improve metabolic function, and its inherent social engagement that reduces stress and supports cognitive championing tennis in Hong Kong, Humansa reinforces its commitment to promoting scientifically validated longevity strategies, establishing the sport as a fundamental component of our wellness is collaborating with HKCTA in positioning Hong Kong as Asia's premier tennis destination. This comprehensive partnership extends beyond tournament sponsorship to include youth development programs that nurture junior talent, elite athlete support systems focusing on performance optimization and injury prevention, and community engagement initiatives that promote tennis as a lifelong health activity. The alliance represents a shared vision to elevate both the sport and the health benefits it delivers to Hong Kong's acclaimed, innovative, tennis event the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) will be making its grand Asian debut in Hong Kong on 14-15 October 2025. Founded by Coach Patrick Mouratoglou (@patrickmouratoglou), this fun, fast, furious and ferocious format will bring a new experience to Hong Kong tennis fans. Its all-star line-up, which includes Australia's top-ranked player and current World No. 8, 2024 UTS Grand Final London champion Alex de Minaur (@alexdeminaur); along with current world No. 11 player and 2024 UTS Oslo champion Andrey Rublev (@andreyrublev); Chinese star Zhang Zhizhen (@zizi_zhang96) ; and tennis fans' favourite, the Australian Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os). Hailing from the Czech Republic, 19-year-old Jakub Mensik (@ ranked No. 18, a next generation tennis star who made his UTS debut at this year's UTS Guadalajara before defeating Novak Djokovic in the Miami Masters 1000 final to claim the championship. Meanwhile, Latin America's top ranked Francisco Cerundolo (@francerundolo) also makes his UTS debut. Two more mystery player will be announced soon, stayed tuned!Humansa will provide UTS competitors with exclusive access to premium recovery and performance services during the tournament, including on-site physiotherapy and stretch therapy from our expert team. Players will also enjoy full access to Humansa Victoria Dockside for personalized pre- and post-event recovery programs. Valued Humansa members can join us for an exclusive VIP experiences which includes courtside seating, players interaction, behind the scene access, special wellness experiences at the Humansa Experience Zone, unique souvenirs, and much more!The partnership will see the introduction of Humansa's innovative Racket Sports Longevity Series, a tailored collection of services designed to enhance athletic performance and promote longevity. This groundbreaking series incorporates advanced AI-driven injury prevention technology, specialized recovery protocols for elite athletes, nutrition plans optimized for longevity, and comprehensive biomarker tracking to maintain peak performance involvement in Chubb UTS Hong Kong 2025 forms part of a sustained commitment to tennis development and its associated health benefits. Looking ahead, the company plans to collaborate with additional regional and international HKCTA events, establish youth development camps incorporating Humansa's wellness resources, and conduct joint research with HKCTA into athlete health, performance and longevity. Through these initiatives, Humansa reaffirms its dedication to helping individuals live healthier, longer lives by leveraging tennis as a powerful vehicle for & #Humansa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Humansa Humansa, Asia's first and leading one-stop health and longevity center, is transforming health and wellness with cutting-edge science, AI-driven insights, and personalized care. Founded in 2020 and based in Hong Kong, we operate over 40 centers, serving 80,000+ clients annually, empowering them to enjoy lives for as long as possible. Humansa's flagship store, located at Victoria Dockside, prioritizes prevention, health optimization, and education. By streamlining fragmented services, we empower individuals to proactively enhance their healthspan, delay aging, and achieve fulfilling lifestyles in a supportive, luxurious environment. We provide world-class health solutions, including women's health management, energy and vitality management, brain health, weight management, and children's development programs tailored to meet individual needs. About Hong Kong, China Tennis Association (HKCTA) The HKCTA is a National Sport Association formed in 1909 with 40 affiliated clubs, over 4,000 individual members and recognised by both the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF). HKCTA's objectives are to promote tennis to all, to nurture talented players to compete at a regional and international level, and to raise the standard of the game in Hong Kong. To meet its objectives, HKCTA organises a number of local and international tennis tournaments as well as grassroots, junior and elite development programs, inter-club leagues, coaching certification courses and a Tennis-For-All open enrollment programme. For more information, please visit About UTS The growing popularity of the innovative and fast-paced format has seen the UTS Tour increase its worldwide reach in 2025. The UTS Tour made its debut this year in Latin America in February with UTS Guadalajara. The hugely successful Bastide Medical UTS Nîmes was played in front of sell-out crowds in the iconic Arénes des Nîmes Roman ampitheatre. Since its creation, UTS has attracted many of the world's best players, including Top 10 stars Holger Rune, Taylor Fritz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lorenzo Musetti, Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe and Nick Kyrgios, all attracted to the fun, fast, furious and ferocious format. The 2025 UTS Grand Final will return to London once again. This will be the third year in a row that London has hosted the UTS season finale.

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