
No more exposure-only approach for SEA Games
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, who chaired the SEA Games selection committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, said the list of athletes submitted by national sports associations for the year-end Games showed that Malaysia should compete as medal contenders.

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The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia set to send strongest track cycling squad for SEA Games
Onwards to glory: Injured but determined Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom hopes to land on the podium at the Asian Track Cycling Championships starting in Nilai on Friday. PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian National Cycling Federation of Malaysia (MNCF) will send their strongest track cycling squad, led by Track Nation Cup keirin champion Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom, for the Thailand SEA Games in December. MNCF finally breathed a sigh of relief when they received approval to send 28 national cyclists under category A to compete in the SEA Games. The decision was reached after the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) selection meeting saw the national road cycling team obtain additional funds to compete in the Thailand SEA Games. MNCF secretary Ahmad Arif Astaman said they were grateful for the approval of the justification presented on putting all except three cyclists under category A. "We will send national cyclists to compete in all four disciplines - road, track, BMX and mountain bike," said Ahmad. "MNCF will also commit the strongest team for the track cycling events. Track cycling is rarely held at the SEA Games and the current batch of cyclists have never had the chance to compete before, so we will give them the opportunity to stand on the podium. "Malaysia will be chasing for gold medals in especially the road and track cycling disciplines. "We are grateful for the support shown by the National Sports Council (NSC) and OCM. "It's also due to the close cooperation with NSC and OCM who understand our needs at the SEA Games. "This (putting under category A) will boost the confidence of the cyclists to perform their best and bring glory to the country.'' Malaysia should dominate the men's track cycling competition, which takes place at the outdoor Hua Mak Velodrome in Bangkok. Thailand have four events for men (team sprint, keirin, team pursuit and points race) while the scratch race is the event for the women. Malaysia emerged overall champions with 13 golds the last time track cycling was contested at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. The national road cycling team, with support from Terengganu Cycling Team and MPC's predecessor Team Sapura Cycling, have consistently delivered gold for Malaysia at the SEA Games over the past decade. Malaysia have won six gold medals in men's road cycling over the last five editions of the SEA Games.


New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Thai golfers dominate Maybank Championship qualifiers
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand displayed the immense strength in depth they possess in women's golf after sweeping all five qualifying slots at the Maybank Championship Asean qualifiers today. Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul topped the standings after carding a two-day seven-under 137 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Bukit Kiara. Achiraya Sriwong (five-under 139) and Namo Luangnitikul (even-par 144) rounded out a top three comprised of amateur players. Cholcheva Wongras (two-over 146) and Kan Bunnabodee were joint-fourth, claiming the remaining two qualifying slots. It was, however, not to be for Malaysian duo Ng Jing Xuen and Genevieve Ling who finished just one stroke behind. The duo shared sixth spot on three-over 147. The soft-spoken Kritchanya, who is only 17, was all smiles after booking her slot in the Maybank Championship tournament proper on Oct 30-Nov 2. "Of course I am really happy to secure my place in the Maybank Championship in October," said Kritchanya. "This is the first time I have competed outside of Thailand so it is very special for me. "I had a lot of fun here as I was also able to sink a hole-in-one yesterday (hole four)." Jing Xuen, also 17, took the result in her stride. "Yesterday (Aug 12) was a bit more hectic but I am pleased to be able to come back today," said Jing Xuen, who claimed gold at the 2023 Phnom Penh Sea Games. "I'd say my putting was really good today, it was just that my risk management was a little bit off. "In the end I was just one shot off (qualifying) but I guess that is just golf for you. I accept it and will keep working harder." Only the top-five finishers booked their spots in the US$3 million (RM12.7 million) showpiece, which returns for its third edition as the richest LPGA Tour stop in Asia. Earning a place in the elite 78-player field guarantees a minimum payout of approximately US$5,400 (RM22,720) as the tournament is a no-cut event.

Barnama
10 hours ago
- Barnama
SEA Deaf Games: Malaysia Eye Double Futsal Gold
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- A mix of experienced and new players will be the national deaf futsal squads' main weapon in their bid for a double gold at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Deaf Games 2025 in Jakarta from Aug 20 to 26. Head coach Lo Fook Fah is optimistic that the target can be achieved by both the men's and women's squads, based on the progress and chemistry built during training sessions ahead of the second edition of the Games. 'For the men's squad, there are about six senior players and four new ones, while the women's team has three seasoned players and seven newcomers. bootstrap slideshow 'I see very good cooperation among them, and their interactions are very close. The men's squad is targeting gold, and the same target is set for the women's team,' he told reporters after receiving a visit from chef de mission Sarkunan Balakrisnan during a training session here today. The men's team are the defending champions, while the women's squad finished with bronze at the inaugural SEA Deaf Games 2022 here. Fook Fah expects Thailand and Indonesia to be the main challengers in both futsal categories in Jakarta. He said only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the draw to be held upon the team's arrival in Jakarta. Sarkunan said the national squads' preparations for games are going smoothly. Malaysia, which will send the second-largest contingent to the SEA Deaf Games, has set a mission of winning 16 gold medals, aiming to defend the overall title claimed at the inaugural edition three years ago.