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![Wai Ching helps Malaysia take the stairs to tower running success —Ep59 [TIMPESPORT PODCAST]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FTimesport_podcast_ep59_1750399635.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![Wai Ching helps Malaysia take the stairs to tower running success —Ep59 [TIMPESPORT PODCAST]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Wai Ching helps Malaysia take the stairs to tower running success —Ep59 [TIMPESPORT PODCAST]
KUALA LUMPUR: Soh Wai Ching's remarkable rise from humble beginnings to world champion has become the driving force behind Malaysia's climb up the global tower running in large part to his exploits, Malaysia now sit fifth in the world according to the Tower Running World Association - an impressive feat for a sport still considered niche locally. "Wai Ching is a symbol of what's possible when talent meets tenacity," said Malaysian Tower Running Association (MTRA) president Ravinder Singh on the latest episode of the Timesport: On the Beat podcast. "He didn't come from privilege or a sports pipeline. He built his own path. He's both our beacon and our benchmark."Tower running - a gruelling vertical sprint up skyscrapers - strips racing down to its rawest form. "It's short, intense, and brutally honest," said Ravinder. "There's nowhere to hide. In just 10 or 15 minutes, your heart's racing, your legs are burning, and every step is earned." Malaysia's growing presence in the sport is set to peak with the hosting of the 2026 World Tower Running Championships, and the upcoming Asian & Oceania Championships at Merdeka 118 on Aug 30 will serve as a "dress rehearsal"."This is the second biggest race in the world this year. All the top names want to try this new building," said Ravinder. "It's a huge moment for us." The podcast episode is now available on YouTube, Spotify, Audioplus and Apple Podcasts.
![[TIMESPORT PODCAST] EP58: Amorim deserves backing, not the boot, say United fans in Malaysia](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FSPORTS_PODCAST_EP58_1748329424.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
[TIMESPORT PODCAST] EP58: Amorim deserves backing, not the boot, say United fans in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Manchester United fans in Malaysia are urging the club to stand by under-fire manager Ruben Amorim despite the team suffering their worst-ever Premier League finish. Amorim, 40, joined United from Sporting Lisbon in November after Erik ten Hag was axed following a string of poor results. But the former Portugal international has endured a nightmare start, with United ending the season in a dismal 15th - their lowest league position since relegation in 1973-74. Yet many loyal fans are pleading for patience and calling on the club to give Amorim a full season to prove his worth. "I'll be disappointed if Amorim is sacked before getting a full season," said United die-hard S. Jeevanesan during the Timesport: On the Beat podcast with Faizal Salim. "He needs new signings for the upcoming campaign. "We should judge him after the 2025-26 season." Fellow fan T. Yogaraj echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for stability at a club that have struggled for consistency since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. "Amorim is a young coach. He needs time to implement his ideas, and he's stuck to them despite the results," he said. "The biggest issue has been our impatience. We've had too many managerial changes. Amorim deserves proper backing and the chance to build something." The fans' comments come as United arrived in Kuala Lumpur Monday to kick off their Asia Tour. The Red Devils will face the Asean All-Stars on Wednesday before wrapping up their trip with a clash against the Hong Kong national team on Friday. This is their first visit to Malaysia since 2009, when they beat a Malaysian Selection side 3-2 and 2-0 in back-to-back friendlies. "We were lucky that year," recalled Yogaraj. "They were supposed to play just once, but issues in Indonesia meant we got two games instead. I was at the stadium for both - it was fantastic." Jeevanesan added: "To watch United at the National Stadium... I wouldn't trade that for anything." Despite the club's recent Europa League final loss to Tottenham - where a deflected goal saw them miss out on Champions League qualification - both fans believe Amorim should be given more time. "We controlled the game, but it just wasn't enough. We couldn't convert our chances," said Jeevanesan. "The line-up was surprising. I don't know what the manager was thinking. "Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho should've started. When Garnacho came on, his impact was immediate." Still, the consensus among Malaysian fans is clear Amorim deserves a clean slate and the full support of the club.
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Cklamovski aims to script blockbuster for Malaysian football [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Peter Cklamovski wants to make a movie for Malaysian football fans — one that is full of emotions, heroes, and unforgettable moments. In an interview with Timesport: On the Beat, the Harimau Malaya coach talked about his inspirations, his love for attacking football, and his plan to make a film about Malaysia's football journey. "It wouldn't be a documentary. It would be a reality show," said the Australian with a smile. "It'll be called Building the Tiger. It starts with the golden era and shows the journey to bring Malaysian football back to greatness. I'll play myself. Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (Johor Darul Ta'zim club owner) will play himself. We'll make it entertaining. We're characters!" Cklamovski believes that football's power lies in its raw emotions, the kind that fans feel instantly. That's why he doesn't hide his disdain for the video assistant referee (VAR) system. "You score a goal, and the emotion is raw. But now you wait, check… by the time it's confirmed, it won't be the same. That moment's gone. Football is emotion. That's why people love it. Get rid of VAR," he said. Cklamovski's footballing ideals are rooted in his youth, when he idolised the likes of Darko Pancev, a former Macedonian-Yugoslav forward who played for FK Vardar and Red Star Belgrade in the 1980s. "I always love guys who want to score goals. The way they play, with joy, with purpose, that's the energy I want in my teams." Asked to name his all-time five-a-side dream team, Cklamovski said: "(Lionel) Messi, (Diego) Maradona, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Franz) Beckenbauer, (Franco) Baresi. You won't get the ball off us!" he said. Cklamovski is also settling into life in Malaysia, with his children enrolled in an international school and his family embracing the local experience. He looks forward to watching domestic matches across the country. "I want to be part of this football culture. I want to see what it means to Malaysians, in every stadium, every chant," he added. And as Malaysia prepare to face Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in June, he hopes the fans continue to believe in the journey. "We've got a big game coming up. Get behind the team. This is about all of us — the players, the fans, and the country. We're building something special." Cklamovski will hope that his reality show will be as successful as the movie, Ola Bola, which was about the national team qualifying for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
