No more tough guys in local football?
Football legend Indra Putra Mahayuddin thinks so. He feels that they don't make footballers like they used to.
Indra, Malaysia's all-time top scorer in the Super League with 106 goals, said the footballers of today are pampered, compared to the tough ways he came through.
Indra asked how is it possible that he, at 44 years old, still plays in the A1 Semi-Pro League and could still keep up with his team's training sessions.
That proves one thing — the training intensity of today is not as tough compared to his early years as a professional.
"I see a big difference between players from the past and players now. Back then, we went through training that was intense and crazy.
"But now, even at my age, I can still follow the training sessions. That says a lot about how training today isn't as hard. Players these days are pampered.
"When they're criticised, many can't handle it. But criticism is there to help you grow, not to bring you down. That's what many of us from the older generation went through and benefited from,"
he said.
Indra earned over 50 caps for the national team from 2002-2015 and netted 17 international goals. A product of the Perak youth system, he burst onto the scene with Perak before going on to represent Kelantan, Selangor, Pahang, Felda United and KL City.
Known for his intelligence, composure in front of goal and versatility on the left flank or as a forward, Indra was one of the few Malaysian players to perform at a high level across two decades.
He said Harimau Malaya today is in a far better place than it was during his time, thanks to reforms and talent additions.
"We should thank the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, for introducing big changes. The inclusion of heritage players has helped take the national team forward," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Ee Yi-Yew Sin finally break first-round curse, but at Aaron-Wooi Yik's expense
Malaysia men's doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in action against South Korea's Kim Young-hyuk-Wang Chan during the first round of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: The all-Malaysian clash between Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin in the first round of the Japan Open has brought a mix of emotions. There was disappointment as second seeds Aaron-Wooi Yik suffered a shock early exit from the tournament, especially with high hopes riding on them to go far. At the same time, there was relief for Ee Yi-Yew Sin, who finally broke their first-round curse. Since the India Open in January, the pair had failed to progress past the opening hurdle in any of their tournaments. This time, they showed renewed determination, especially Yew Sin who recently tied the knot with former Japanese singles shuttler Aya Ohori. The former world championship bronze medallists in 2021 took just 30 minutes to upstage Aaron-Wooi Yik with a convincing 21-15, 21-15 win. National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky admitted he was personally surprised by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's early exit. 'It is definitely shocking when a seeded pair loses in the first round,' said Rexy briefly when contacted. Meanwhile, it was a nervy path to the second round for Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who had to battle hard against fellow Malaysians Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi. The sixth seeds narrowly took the opening game before pulling away in the second to secure a 30-28, 21-12 victory. They will face China's Huang Di-Liu Yang in the next round. There was still something to cheer for in the national camp, thanks to a commanding performance from women's doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah. Fresh off signing contract extensions with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the pair looked sharp and composed as they eased past Bulgarian sisters Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva 21-16, 21-14 in just 31 minutes. 'They played with good composure. At the start, they were still adjusting to the drift in the hall, but once they took the lead at the interval, they controlled the match well,' said Rexy, who was pleased with their performance. They will take on Taiwan's Hsieh Pei-shang and Hung En-tzu in the second round today.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Yew Sin-Ee Yi stun Aaron-Wooi Yik in Japan Open upset
MALAYSIA 's professional pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi pulled off a stunning upset at the Japan Open 2025, eliminating former world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in straight games. The unseeded duo secured a dominant 21-15, 21-15 victory in just 30 minutes at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. The win marked a significant turnaround for Yew Sin-Ee Yi, who had lost their last three encounters against the reigning Badminton Asia Championships winners. Their aggressive play and sharp net control left the world No. 2 pair struggling to find rhythm. Yew Sin-Ee Yi now await the winners of the match between Japan's Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura and American pair Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith in the second round. In another Malaysian clash, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun overcame a tough first set to defeat Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King 30-28, 21-12. The sixth seeds will next face China's Huang Di-Liu Yang, who earlier defeated Thailand's Kittinupong Kedren-Dechapol Puavaranukroh. Meanwhile, Malaysia's top women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah started their campaign strongly, cruising past Bulgaria's Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva 21-16, 21-14. The third seeds will meet Taiwan's Hsieh Pei Chan-Hung En-Tzu in the next round.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Do-or-die tests come early for Harimau Muda at AFF Under-23 C'ship
Harimau Muda team taking part in the AFF Under-23 Championship in Indonesia. PETALING JAYA: A bitter opening defeat but one that could serve as a wake-up call for Harimau Muda in their pursuit of a place in the AFF Under-23 Championship semi-finals. In their first Group A match, Malaysia's U-23 squad, led by head coach Nafuzi Zain, suffered a shock 0-2 loss to the Philippines at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday. The star of the night was Otu Abang Banatao, a rising 18-year-old Filipino striker, who struck twice in the 13th and 42nd minutes, punishing a Malaysian side that dominated the match but failed to make their chances count. Despite enjoying 72 per cent possession and registering 21 attempts on goal, Malaysia lacked the clinical edge in front of goal and were ultimately undone by defensive lapses. Team captain and centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili didn't mince his words after the match. "We were too careless while attacking and forgot about our defensive structure. Our defensive line was too high and the Philippines took full advantage of that," he admitted. "It's a lesson for all of us, including myself. We'll take these weaknesses and work to fix them." The defeat now places Malaysia in a difficult position. With only the group winners assured of a place in the semi-finals, the Harimau Muda must now win the remaining group matches against Brunei on July 18 and tournament hosts Indonesia on July 21 to keep their campaign alive. Ubaidullah remains optimistic despite the setback. "Yes, we've chosen a tougher path now. But as long as there's still a chance to reach the semi-finals, we will keep fighting and believe we can bounce back. Two wins must now be our mission."
