Wasting no time
Blast from the past: (from left) Khairul Hafiz Jantan, Mohd Arsyad Md Saat, Jonathan Nyepa and Mohd Azeem Fahmi posing for a photograph after the 4x100m men's relay final of the Asian Games in China in October 2023.
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The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
Wasting no time
Blast from the past: (from left) Khairul Hafiz Jantan, Mohd Arsyad Md Saat, Jonathan Nyepa and Mohd Azeem Fahmi posing for a photograph after the 4x100m men's relay final of the Asian Games in China in October 2023.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Speedy Karim - new MA president, acts fast by starting B10 project to produce sprinters
Malaysia's (from left) Khairul Hafiz Jantan, Mohd Arsyad Md Saat, Jonathan Nyepa and Mohd Azeem Fahmi after the 4x100m men's relays final during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. PETALING JAYA: A specialised sprint programme, dubbed B10 (below 10), will be one of the projects that will start under the newly elected Malaysian Athletics (MA) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim. The project will be aimed at producing two sprinters capable of clocking sub-10 seconds in the 100m. "If we can get two such athletes, we can push the 4x100m relay team towards the Olympic Games final," said Karim. "We haven't done that since Dr. Mani Jegathesan reached the semi-finals in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. It's time we changed that narrative." But Karim, who was elected for the post that he had helmed before from 2015 to 2019 on Sunday, was quick to note that goals must be backed by the right processes. Reflecting on Malaysia's solitary bronze medal at the recent Asian Track and Field Championships, Karim stressed the need to overhaul the current approach to athlete preparation. "We must study the data from Southeast Asia and plan long-term. Other countries in the region are progressing, we must catch up,' he said. "For the Thailand SEA Games in December, we will give our target 45 days before the Games." Karim also addressed the lingering discontent stemming from the heated campaign that preceded the elections. He acknowledged the concerns raised by athletes and assured that proper channels would be created to ensure their voices are heard and acted upon. "I prioritise the athletes. Their well-being, safety, and trust must come first. When they feel secure, they will perform. We need every stakeholder on the same page to make this happen." Karim also addressed the lingering discontent stemming from the heated campaign that preceded the elections. "I prioritise the athletes. Their well-being, safety, and trust must come first. When they feel secure, they will perform." Backing Karim is his deputy, Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Abdullah, who promised swift action to mend broken relationships and address long-standing issues without delay. "Yes, we have problems. But we won't wait four years to solve them. We'll do the firefighting now and move forward. "If we can solve things amicably, including the issue with the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA), I believe all parties will come to the table." FTKLAA did not participate in Sunday's MA elections after the High Court dismissed their injunction to halt the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The legal action stemmed from a recent constitutional amendment by MA, which mandates FTKLAA to merge with the Federal Territories of Putrajaya and Labuan. However, the consolidation process could not be finalised in time for the AGM, leading to FTKLAA's exclusion from the voting process. Wan Hashim also reaffirmed that distractions and petty issues will not derail their focus. "I will assist the president in fulfilling our agenda. The athletes must come first. That's non-negotiable." In a dignified transition, former MA president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim offered his full support to Karim and urged all affiliates to come together once more. "There are always winners and losers in any election. But what matters now is the athletes. That must be our priority. I'll continue helping through my role with Perlis Athletics and will support Karim in his leadership."
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Haertelmeter's late goal seals France's miracle win in Nations Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 9 France pulled off an astonishing comeback in the final quarter to edge world No. 15 South Korea 6-5 in a thrilling Nations Cup Group A opener at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday. Les Bleus were staring at defeat after trailing 5-1 at the end of the third quarter but stunned the Koreans with a five-goal blitz in the last 15 minutes to snatch all three points. It was a dream debut for France coach John-John Dohmen, appointed just two months ago. Louis Haertelmeter was the hero, netting the winner with just four seconds left on the clock. Xavier Esmenjaud bagged a hat-trick (ninth, 47th, 58th minutes), while Victor Charlet struck twice (56th, 59th) as France launched their dramatic revival. The Koreans had earlier raced to a commanding lead with goals from Lee Jung Jun (third), Yang Ji Hun (21st, 44th), Lim Do Hyun (25th), and Park Cheo Leon (36th). "It was a crazy game, but a great win in my first assignment," said a delighted Dohmen, who retired from international duty with Belgium last year after 19 years. "I told my players during the break to switch their mindset and come back strong. They did just that and proved a point in the fourth quarter. "We only arrived four days ago, so the heat hit us hard. But we'll adapt to the humidity soon." Korea coach Min Tae Seok admitted his players ran out of steam in the closing stages. "They couldn't maintain the tempo, especially without two key players who are injured," he said. "Still, I'm not too disappointed. We're building for next year's Asian Games." In another Group A clash, world No. 11 South Africa also came back from the dead, clawing back from four goals down to hold debutants Wales to a 4-4 draw. Wales raced ahead through Jack Pritchard (fifth, 24th, 26th) and Jolyon Morgan (22nd). But South Africa responded through Trevor de Lora (35th), Angelo Walstroom (37th), Samkelo Mvimbi (50th), and Calvin Davis (59th) to earn a point.
