AirAsia Junior Golf Ambassador Turned Full-Time Allstar Teams Up with Ripper GC
Rizal participated in his first International golf tournament at the age of 7½ years old in Kuching, Sarawak, at the 2002 Sarawak Junior World Masters.
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![AirAsia founder eyes Malaysian football runway [WATCH]](/_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
20-07-2025
- New Straits Times
AirAsia founder eyes Malaysian football runway [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Tony Fernandes may have stepped away from football years ago, but he is ready to make a comeback. And the AirAsia founder is eyeing the FA of Malaysia (FAM) runway — meaning he hopes to help local football. Fernandes, a former co-owner of English club, Queens Park Rangers, returned to the spotlight as Team Harimau manager at the Zurich Liga 7x7 tournament at Kuala Lumpur FA Stadium on Saturday. At 60, Fernandes' passion for football is evidently still running strong. "It was amazing (Zurich Liga). Everyone who came, enjoyed themselves. It was impressive that people took it seriously — protested, got upset they didn't win. That's passion," said Fernandes, who fielded a squad of mostly ex-internationals. He said watching Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last month, has reignited his long-held goal to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football. "I love football. I'm 60 and I still go out there and kick a ball. If they (FAM) want me, I would love to help," he said. "I've never been offered any positions in FAM or anywhere, right? Maybe I'm too controversial or speak my mind too much. But I'm 100 per cent (if there is an offer to join FAM), I want to see us back at our best." Fernandes, who also ran a football team, PJ Rangers from 2014-2018, said: "When competing with the J-League, K-League and Saudi League, you need proper pitches, sports science, analytics, and the full package. That's what we're missing." Fernandes believes that new formats, such as seven-a-side football, will be of much interest to younger audiences, much like Twenty20 in cricket, while boosting participation at the grassroots level. Fernandes now wants to revive two things close to his heart – sports and social impact. "I want to build a low-cost school and hospital. But if there's one more project that I could do with all my heart, it's bringing Malaysian football back to life." Previous Next
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- New Straits Times
AirAsia founder eyes Malaysian football runway
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Tony Fernandes may have stepped away from football years ago, but he is ready to make a comeback. And the AirAsia founder is eyeing the FA of Malaysia (FAM) runway — meaning he hopes to help local football. Fernandes, a former co-owner of English club, Queens Park Rangers, returned to the spotlight as Team Harimau manager at the Zurich Liga 7x7 tournament at Kuala Lumpur FA Stadium on Saturday. View this post on Instagram At 60, Fernandes' passion for football is evidently still running strong. "It was amazing (Zurich Liga). Everyone who came, enjoyed themselves. It was impressive that people took it seriously — protested, got upset they didn't win. That's passion," said Fernandes, who fielded a squad of mostly ex-internationals. He said watching Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last month, has reignited his long-held goal to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football. "I love football. I'm 60 and I still go out there and kick a ball. If they (FAM) want me, I would love to help," he said. "I've never been offered any positions in FAM or anywhere, right? Maybe I'm too controversial or speak my mind too much. But I'm 100 per cent (if there is an offer to join FAM), I want to see us back at our best." Fernandes, who also ran a football team, PJ Rangers from 2014-2018, said: "When competing with the J-League, K-League and Saudi League, you need proper pitches, sports science, analytics, and the full package. That's what we're missing." Fernandes believes that new formats, such as seven-a-side football, will be of much interest to younger audiences, much like Twenty20 in cricket, while boosting participation at the grassroots level. Fernandes now wants to revive two things close to his heart – sports and social impact. "I want to build a low-cost school and hospital. But if there's one more project that I could do with all my heart, it's bringing Malaysian football back to life."
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
AirAsia Junior Golf Ambassador Turned Full-Time Allstar Teams Up with Ripper GC
'Starting golf at the tender age of 3½ years old at Kelab Golf Negara Subang, I had a dream of being a professional golfer, but decided not to pursue a career in it after graduating from Bond University in Australia. Never have I imagined being given the opportunity to be part of AirAsia's partnership with Ripper GC. I feel privileged to take part in the most memorable on-course opportunity, where the two brands jointly inspires golfers old and young alike.' said Rizal. Rizal participated in his first International golf tournament at the age of 7½ years old in Kuching, Sarawak, at the 2002 Sarawak Junior World Masters.
