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The Star
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Singapore's Shanti Pereira pipped to 200m gold by Chinese ace at Asian athletic meet
Singapore's Shanti Pereira (centre) en route to winning a silver in the 200m event at the Asian Athletics Championships.-- PHOTO: SINGAPORE ATHLETICS SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Singapore's sprint queen Shanti Pereira clinched silver in the women's 200m at the Asian Athletics Championships on May 31. At the Gumi Civic Stadium in South Korea, the 28-year-old clocked a season-best time of 22.98sec, just 0.01sec behind gold medallist Chen Yujie (22.97) and ahead of Li Yuting (23.23) both of China. Defending champion Pereira had qualified second quickest in the field of 20 after clocking 23.59sec. Japan's Remi Tsuruta topped the heats with 23.37sec, while China's Chen (23.60) was third. Pereira, who won a 100m and 200m double in the 2023 edition in Thailand, had also settled for silver in the 100m final on May 28 after clocking 11.41sec, losing out to China's Liang Xiaojing by just 0.04sec. Besides the two creditable silver medals, Pereira ended her campaign in Gumi with a national record, after teaming up with Elizabeth-Ann Tan, Shannon Tan and Laavinia Jaiganth to set a new mark of 44.66sec in the women's 4x100m relay. The Singaporeans, who finished fifth out of seven teams, surpassed the previous time of 44.96sec set in 2017 by Pereira, Dipna Lim, Wendy Enn and Nur Izlyn Zaini. China won the race with a 43.28sec effort, ahead of India (43.86sec) and Thailand (44.26sec). Singapore Athletics (SA) president Lien Choong Luen praised Pereira for her performances. He said: 'Shanti's back-to-back silver medals over 100m and 200m in Korea is an incredible feat in field packed with lots of talent. 'While her performance at the 2023 edition saw different medal colours, the ability to stay consistent over multiple years is a testament to her determination and that of coach Luis (Cunha) and her team. 'Her longevity and performance is an inspiration for our young athletes.' In other results, Singapore's 400m hurdler Calvin Quek clocked 50.94sec to finish last in the field of seven runners. The event was won by Qatar's Abderrahman Samba (48.00sec), with Chinese Taipei's Lin Chung-wei (49.73) and Japan's Shunta Inoue (50.02) finishing in the minor podium spots. Meanwhile, in the men's 4x100m relay, despite a promising start, Singaporeans Daryl Tan, Yan Teo, Xander Ho and Marc Louis finished last out of seven teams in a time of 40.96sec. Hosts South Korea claimed the gold with a meet record of 38.49sec, ahead of Thailand (38.78sec) and China (38.82sec). - The Straits Times/ANN
The Star
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei holds nationwide Sunnat Hajat prayers for Sultan and country
Minister of Religious Affairs Datuk Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin Datuk Paduka Awang Othman and congregants during the prayer. - BB/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Religious Affairs carried out congregational Sunnat Hajat prayers and special doa for health and well-being at mosques, suraus and religious halls throughout the country. It was conducted prior to the Friday prayer (May 30). The focal mosques for each districts were Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong for Brunei-Muara District; Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Pekan Tutong for Tutong District; Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque, Kuala Belait in Belait District; and Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar for Temburong District. The initiative is a continuation of the ongoing daily congregational Sunnat Hajat prayers and special doa held after Maghrib prayers, aimed at seeking blessings for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the nation. The prayer aims to seek divine blessings for good health, well-being and prosperity for the nation and its people. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand to shut border with Cambodia amid boycott tensions
BANGKOK: Thailand is set to close six border checkpoints and ten temporary crossings with Cambodia, including Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom tourist points, amid a Cambodian nationalist backlash and boycott calls. A report from security agencies on Saturday (May 31, 2025) stated that a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops near Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province, on May 28, resulted in the deaths of a Cambodian soldier and injuries to several others. In response, a wave of nationalist sentiment erupted on Cambodian social media, with widespread calls to boycott all Thai products as a form of retaliation. Thai security officials expressed concern over the safety of local communities along the border, especially those engaged in cross-border trade. As a result of the incident, an emergency meeting was called to announce the closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border, which include: Six Permanent Border Crossings: Chong Sa Ngam, Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province; Chong Chom, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province; Ban Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Laem, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Phak Kad, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Hat Lek, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province Ten Temporary Border Crossings: Chong An Ma, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province; Ban Ta Phraya, Ta Phraya District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Nong Plue, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Khao Din, Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo Province; Ban Sap Tari, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Bueng Chanang Lang, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Suan Som, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province; Ban Muen Dan, Bo Ploy Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province; Ban Cha Mong, Nonsi Subdistrict, Bo Rai District, Trat Province; Chong Sai Taku, Chanthop Phet Subdistrict, Ban Kruat District, Buri Ram Province. Also temporarily closed are the Preah Vihear tourist crossing in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province and the Ta Muen Thom checkpoint in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province - The Nation/ANN
The Star
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Phuket tops southern Thailand's tourism revenue in early 2025
BANGKOK: Resort island Phuket is said to have led Thailand's Southern provinces in generating the highest revenue during the first four months of this year. According to the Public Relations Office Region 6, Phuket remains the undisputed champion with an impressive revenue of 188.99 billion baht. This figure highlights the island's status as the 'Andaman Pearl,' boasting world-class beaches, luxury hotels, a diverse range of water activities, and attractions catering to every lifestyle. - Photo: The Nation/ANN These factors ensure Phuket continues to be a truly popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, the office stated. Following closely is Surat Thani in second place, with revenue of 49.16 billion baht, and Krabi in third, earning 36.41 billion baht. Both provinces have clearly demonstrated growing popularity, thanks to their outstanding natural attractions—such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao in Surat Thani, as well as Railay Bay and the Phi Phi Islands in Krabi. These natural wonders serve as key magnets, drawing nature lovers and sea activity enthusiasts alike. Summary of the top 14 Southern provinces by revenue (January–April 2025): Phuket: 188.99 billion baht Surat Thani: 49.16 billion baht Krabi: 36.41 billion baht Phang Nga: 20.07 billion baht Songkhla: 16.64 billion baht Nakhon Si Thammarat: 5.65 billion baht Satun: 4.73 billion baht Trang: 3.27 billion baht Yala: 2.57 billion baht Chumphon: 2.52 billion baht Narathiwat: 1.60 billion baht Phatthalung: 1.44 billion baht Ranong: 1.18 billion baht Pattani: 670.54 million baht - Photo: The Nation/ANN Data from the first four months of 2025 indicate that Thailand's southern tourism industry continues to grow steadily, particularly in world-renowned provinces like Phuket. Meanwhile, other provinces are increasingly attracting niche groups of travellers. Sustainable tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and proactive marketing will be key drivers in positioning the South as a truly world-class travel destination, the office said. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
Philippines' Bohol town mayor suspends water activities after two Koreans drowned
- Photo: file TAGBILARAN CITY, (Philippines): The municipality of Baclayon in Bohol province has suspended all water-related activities on Pamilacan Island after two South Koreans drowned while swimming on Wednesday (May 28). Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy has issued Executive Order No. 57, suspending all water-related activities pending an investigation into the incident. 'There is a need for a temporary halt or stoppage of all water activities in the Pamilacan Island to ascertain that a similar incident will not happen again,' he said. South Koreans Kwon Sung Il, 77, and Choi Duk Sun, 73, both residents of Seoul, drowned while swimming near Pamilacan Island. The island, located about 45 minutes from Baclayon town proper, is a popular destination for dolphin and whale watching. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
