Latest news with #Harith
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Birthday boy Harith claims Auckland Open title
KUALA LUMPUR: Squash player Harith Danial scored the best birthday present he could hope for after beating compatriot Low Wa Sern in the final of the Auckland Open PSA Challenger in New Zealand today (May 25). Harith, who turned 19 yesterday (May 24), was forced to dig deep before securing a 11-5, 2-11, 16-14, 10-12, 11-6 win over Wa Sern (world No. 598) in 68 minutes. For Harith, who is the world No. 473, it was his second title this month after winning the UWE X Ace PSA Satellite in Bristol a fortnight ago. Harith, who has been based in Bristol since last year, said: "Wa Sern gave me a real tough fight in the final so I am glad to win." "Winning the title here is the best birthday present for me, especially since it is my first challenger title. It means a lot to me. "I am truly grateful to those who have supported me on and off the court. There is a long way to go but I will definitely treasure this moment. Hopefully more to come in the future." Harith, who won bronze in the World Junior Championships in Houston last year, came back from a game down to stun world No. 196 Benjamin Ratcliffe of New Zealand 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 in the semi-finals yesterday. Wa Sern had also done well to upset world No. 276 Jooyoung Na of South Korea 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 in the semi-finals. SRAM director of coaching Andrew Cross said it was a great week for Harith and Wa Sern who were seeded 12th and 13th in the tournament but defied the odds to reach the final. "I am proud of their efforts," said Cross.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Harith Noah Withdraws From W2RCs South African Safari Rally After Unfortunate Injury
Indian rally-raid rider Harith Noah was forced to withdraw from the South African Safari Rally, Round 3 of the 2025 FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), following a crash at the beginning of Stage 1. Harith encountered a jackal that jumped in front of his bike and while attempting to brake and maneuver around the animal, he crashed, resulting in significant swelling in his right hand. He got up and showed resilience, riding 20 kilometres more before withdrawing due to loss of grip strength and pain from the fall. Harith had made a good start to the rally, finishing 5th in the Prologue Stage of Rally 2 with a timing of 7:44.1s, marking his return to rally-raid after he had an injury-led exit at the Dakar Rally, earlier in January which required surgery to his wrist. "Fortunately, it's not the wrist that got injured this time. There was a lot of swelling in my right hand, and I just didn't have the strength to hold the bike and ride, which forced me to stop," said Harith from South Africa. "We don't exactly know what the issue is yet, but nothing appears to be broken, which is a good sign. I'll be getting an MRI today to check for any further damage," he said. Noah, who rides for the Sherco TVS Rally Factory team, is hopeful for a swift recovery and aims to return in time for the Baja Espana Aragon 2025 in Spain, scheduled from 25 to 27 July. "The important thing is that we are safe. Even though it was just two days of riding, I learned a lot and feel like I have gained valuable experience. I definitely know what can be done, and I know I will be back. Hopefully, this is just one step backwards to take a bigger step forward," ended Harith with confidence. The 2025 W2RC season features five rounds across three continents, pushing riders through a wide spectrum of terrains and conditions. The year kicked off with the legendary Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, followed by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Now, the championship heads into uncharted territory with the debut of the South African Safari Rally. The final two rounds will take riders to Portugal for the BP Ultimate Rally Raid in September, before culminating with the iconic Rallye du Maroc in October. Listen to the latest songs, only on
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Harith prepared to fight for place as Cklamovski calls up 14 defenders
KUALA LUMPUR: The competition among defenders for spots in the national football team starting XI appears to be wide open. National head coach Peter Cklamovski has called up no less than 14 defenders for centralised training ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers. Selangor defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar believes it is the right move as Malaysia needs to build a solid defence for their crucial Asian Cup qualifier clash with Vietnam in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Harith previously forged a solid partnership at the back with Shahrul Saad, Dion Cools and Matthew Davies during Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal in their Asian Cup qualifying (Group F) opening match on March 25. Harith said that he is still working his way back to full fitness after a three-week break after the Malaysian League (M-League) season ended, but is banking on his fighting spirit to win a spot in the team. "It's definitely tough to get back to peak fitness, but as a professional player, I know the situation and what is required. I believe all the players have made their own preparations before joining the Harimau Malaya training camp," said the 22-year-old centre back. "The coach (Cklamovski) has called up 38 players — most of whom are defenders. It gives me and the others a chance to compete and learn the tactical approach of the team. "That said, my focus isn't on making the final list of 23 players. Instead, I'm concentrating on training over the next week and proving myself to the coaching staff." Malaysia, ranked No. 131 in the world, will take on No.72 Cape Verde in a friendly match in Kuala Lumpur on May 29 as part of their preparations to play Vietnam. Harith believes the match will be vital in building a strong understanding among the defenders. "Under coach Peter and his experienced backroom team, we will certainly gain valuable exposure against Cape Verde, especially in terms of tactical play," said Harith. "We'll give our best and execute whatever plans coach Peter has in mind while fine-tuning our rhythm in preparation for the match against Vietnam."
The Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
On the same lane – Nooa and Harith ready to serve Malaysia with pride
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia begin their final phase of preparation for the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifying clash against Vietnam on June 10, midfielder Nooa Laine and defender Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar are embracing the intensity of national duty with confidence, pride, and focus. The Harimau Malaya reconvened on Sunday under head coach Peter Cklamovski for a centralised training camp, with two friendlies against Cape Verde on May 29 and a closed-door match on June 3 serving as tune-ups ahead of their must-win Group F encounter at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. The squad are currently in Johor Baru to train for seven days, before they return to Kuala Lumpur for the rest of the camp. For Finnish-born Noaa, every call-up is a reminder of his growing role in the national team. 'It is always nice to get a call-up. I feel proud and happy to be selected again,' said the 22-year-old Selangor midfielder. Training in top-class facilities at the Padang Sri Gelam in Johor, Nooa added, has been a bonus as the players look to sharpen their form. 'As a football player, you always want the best conditions. We are happy to be here. It's up to us to prepare well.' Meanwhile, his club teammate and centreback Harith, who continues to grow into his role in the senior squad, echoed a similar sentiment of readiness and resilience. 'Obviously it's hard - we all know the situation when it comes to off-season. But all the players have come in fit and are prepared to play our roles well,' said Harith. The 22-year-old, who has made strides at the domestic and international levels, isn't overly concerned with the squad size or who makes the final list. 'Every day I'm just going to train and prove myself to the coach. I'm not going to think about how many players are selected. I just want to perform.' Malaysia's first friendly opponent, Cape Verde, currently ranked No.72 in the world, promises to be a tough test but Harith believes the backroom staff will be key to navigating the challenge. 'Cape Verde are ranked high, but our coaching staff will do their best. We will raise our game, and hopefully give a strong performance.' Cklamovski will be assessing his players closely during these friendlies as he finalises his squad for the pivotal showdown against Vietnam, which could be decisive in Malaysia's aim to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. With competition high, preparation thorough, and belief strong within the squad, the Harimau Malaya are intent on using this camp to align mentally and tactically ahead of their biggest challenge yet.
South China Morning Post
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
‘One wrong step': Malaysia's careful comedians lament narrowing space for laughter
A joke about ham, a death threat and a wave of manufactured outrage. Advertisement Malaysia 's comedians say the nation is galloping into a cancel-culture that will soon push satire and social commentary off the stage – and the political classes share the blame. In the latest eruption of outcry, it was the turn of stand-up comedy pioneer Harith Iskander to face the whiplash of Malaysia's increasingly censorious social media Harith, a 58-year-old Muslim from southern Johor state who is considered the 'godfather' of Malaysian stand-up comedy, was hauled up by police and religious authorities for questioning last month after making a joke about ham on Facebook In a January 18 post, he jokingly suggested that the word 'ham' in the name of an iced coffee drink – ham sap kopi – could 'lead me down the wrong path in so many ways'. Malaysian stand-up comedy pioneer Harith Iskander found himself in hot water over a joke about ham. Facebook/Harith Iskander The joke riffed on a recent controversy over 'ham' sandwiches for sale with fake halal certification at a popular convenience store. Pork is haram – prohibited – under Islamic customs and critics were swift to detect an apparent insult to Islam.
