logo
Ireland continues to be Yeoh's happy hunting ground

Ireland continues to be Yeoh's happy hunting ground

The Stara day ago
PETALING JAYA: From a champion to a coach, the fortune of former national shuttler Yeoh Seng Zoe (pic) has changed in just four years on Irish soil.
The 27-year-old Seng Zoe has been named as the national singles coach of Ireland. In 2021, he won the Irish Open title after beating Denmark's Mads Christophersen in the final.
Badminton Ireland have wasted no time in naming Seng Zoe as the replacement for Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin to take charge of their squad.
Seng Zoe is already a familiar face in Ireland, having spent the past four years in the country.
He initially joined as a sparring partner to assist Iskandar, who was then the national men's singles coach, in preparing Nhat Nguyen for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
He was later absorbed into the national coaching set-up and eventually promoted to performance coach.
On Monday, Badminton Ireland confirmed that Seng Zoe will now assume the role of national singles coach, succeeding Iskandar.
The governing body is hoping the 27-year-old can build on the foundations laid by Iskandar in strengthening their singles department.
'Iskandar has been an incredible coach to work with. His passion for our purpose and values, coupled with the impressive results achieved by the players he coached, speaks volumes about his approach,' said Daniel Magee, Badminton Ireland high performance director in a statement.
'We wish him all the best as he takes up a new opportunity in Malaysia. Yeoh Seng Zoe will take on a role alongside Iskandar in the national singles programme, and Badminton Ireland will review our coaching structure in the coming months.'
Last year was one of the best for Irish badminton, with two players, Nguyen and women's singles player Rachael Darragh qualified for the Paris Olympics.
Nguyen's Olympic debut was particularly encouraging despite falling short in the group stage. Under Iskandar's guidance, Nguyen also won the Irish Open for two consecutive years, starting in 2023.
Interestingly, Seng Zoe is not the only Malaysian contributing to Irish badminton. Mohd Izzuddin Shamsulmuzli, a former Nusa Mahsuri club player, is also serving in the set-up with a focus on junior development.
Iskandar was recently roped in by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to fill the national women's singles coaching post, which had been left vacant for five months following the resignation of Jeffer Rosobin in late February.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Clash against World Cup qualifiers Iran - a true test of Harimau Malaya's progress
Clash against World Cup qualifiers Iran - a true test of Harimau Malaya's progress

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

Clash against World Cup qualifiers Iran - a true test of Harimau Malaya's progress

HARIMAU Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski is taking on the challenge that awaits his team at the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, especially the clash against tournament favourites and World Cup qualifiers Iran. Describing the showdown as a major yardstick for Malaysia's development, Cklamovski said, 'It's a massive challenge for us, a massive opportunity. ALSO READ: Draw with Cape Verde shows Harimau Malaya's steady progress - Cklamovski 'They're going to a World Cup. We'll use it to benchmark ourselves against the best, test our football against them, and take our football to them as hard as we can,' he told New Straits Times. Drawn in a formidable Group B alongside Iran (world No. 18), hosts Tajikistan (104) and Afghanistan (160), Malaysia (ranked 131) will have to deliver consistent performances in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from August 29 to September 8. This marks Cklamovski's first major international assignment on foreign soil, following a promising start to his tenure with two home victories in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers – a 2-0 win over Nepal in Johor and a commanding 4-0 triumph over Vietnam at Bukit Jalil. The tournament kicks off for Malaysia with a fiery clash against Tajikistan on August 29 – a fixture Cklamovski is anticipating to be high-octane. 'It'll be a hostile environment. I'm sure the atmosphere will be electric and a really good test for us,' he said. Next, Malaysia will face defending champions Iran on September 1, before wrapping up the group stage against Afghanistan on September 4. Only the group winners will progress to the final in Tashkent on September 8, while runners-up will battle for third place in Dushanbe. Over in Group A, hosts Uzbekistan (57) will compete against Oman (77), Kyrgyzstan (103), and Turkmenistan (142) in Tashkent. Cklamovski sees the tournament as vital preparation ahead of Malaysia's crucial Asian Cup qualifying double-header against Laos in October. 'We're in a challenging CAFA group, and that's exactly what we want. 'We want to test ourselves against well-respected opponents. That's how we grow, evolve, and keep pushing towards the team we dream to be,' he said. With tight schedules, travel demands, and hostile venues, the CAFA Nations Cup provides the kind of intensity Malaysia must adapt to if they hope to elevate their game. 'We want to go into the group stage with the belief we can do something special. 'Importantly, we want to put together a team and a brand of football that makes every Malaysian proud to watch,' he said.

Cklamovski: Iran clash a benchmark for Harimau Malaya
Cklamovski: Iran clash a benchmark for Harimau Malaya

New Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Cklamovski: Iran clash a benchmark for Harimau Malaya

KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski is relishing the chance to pit his side against World Cup-bound Iran at the CAFA Nations Cup. He views the showdown as a true benchmark for Malaysia's progress. World No. 131 Malaysia have been drawn in a tough Group B with Iran (world No. 18), hosts Tajikistan (104) and Afghanistan (160). The tournament runs from Aug 29 to Sept 8 and Group B matches will be played in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. "It's a massive challenge for us, a massive opportunity," said Cklamovski, who will take charge of his first challenge outside Malaysian soil. "They're going to a World Cup. We'll use it to benchmark ourselves against the best, test our football against them, and take our football to them as hard as we can." Cklamovski has enjoyed a strong start to his reign, overseeing two impressive home wins in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers - a 2-0 win over Nepal in Johor and a 4-0 thumping of Vietnam in Bukit Jalil. But the real test begins away from home. Malaysia open their campaign against hosts Tajikistan on Aug 29 in what the Australian coach expects to be a fiery encounter. "It'll be a hostile environment. I'm sure the atmosphere will be electric and a really good test for us," he said. The showdown with tournament favourites and defending champions Iran comes next on Sept 1, followed by Afghanistan on Sept 4. Only the top team in each group qualifies for the final in Tashkent on Sept 8, with the second-placed sides meeting in a third-place playoff in Dushanbe the same day. Group A, played in Tashkent, features hosts Uzbekistan (world No. 57), Oman (77), Kyrgyzstan (103), and Turkmenistan (142). Cklamovski believes the CAFA Nations Cup provides ideal preparation for Malaysia's next Asian Cup qualifying challenge - a crucial away-and-home double header against Laos in October. "We're in a challenging CAFA group , and that's exactly what we want," he said. "We want to test ourselves against well-respected opponents. That's how we grow, evolve, and keep pushing towards the team we dream to be." With quick turnarounds and matches on foreign soil, the tournament offers the kind of high-pressure conditions Harimau Malaya must master if they are to take the next step. "We want to go into the group stage with the belief we can do something special," he added.

Three Malaysian top executives cycle to stay fit, focused and fulfilled
Three Malaysian top executives cycle to stay fit, focused and fulfilled

The Star

time5 hours ago

  • The Star

Three Malaysian top executives cycle to stay fit, focused and fulfilled

At a time when corporate leaders are seeking balance amid hectic and demanding schedules, three high-profile Malaysian executives have turned to an increasingly popular sport to stay fit, focused and fulfilled – cycling. But to the three gentlemen – RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali, Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy and National Heart Institute cardiovascular sports and fitness director and senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon – cycling isn't just a sport, it's a passion. Rediscovering the joy More than a hobby, cycling is rediscovering a childhood ritual, says Adissadikin, 55. 'I used to cycle to school every day in Jasin, Melaka,' he recalls. 'But I only got serious about road biking seven months ago after an earlier health scare.' Now, he rides every weekend, covering up to 40km along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE). 'It helps me stay fit and clear my mind. When you're heading a company, you need mental clarity. Sitting in the office for too long can bog you down. Cycling brings balance.' Adissadikin says cycling is an accessible sport, with affordable options for beginners. For him, the pursuit started casually, through a corporate ride event organised by RHB. The bank is big on organising community sports events, like the RHB Lekas Highway Ride. But Adissadikin eventually started taking cycling more seriously. 'I bought my own road bike and started doing 30km-40km weekend rides. I realised that not only was it good for my health, it also helped me stay mentally sharp,' he says. 'Cycling allows me to reconnect with myself.' His usual weekend route along the GCE near his home offers him enough time to ride and come home before his kids wake up, he says. "Sunday mornings are family time. So if I go out by 7am, I'm back by 9am. In life, it's all about balance.' A doctor's prescription If anyone understands the science behind exercise, it's Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, 60. 'I got into cycling through mountain biking more than 15 years ago,' he says. 'As a doctor, I knew the importance of cardiovascular workouts, and I used to jog and play football. But as time passed, I needed something gentler on my joints. Cycling is non-weight-bearing, making it ideal for people recovering from joint injuries,' he explains. 'In group rides, you must stay alert. You're responsible not just for yourself but also the safety of others,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant. Today, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant's rides are a mix of solo routes and group rides, including multi-sport events like the Powerman duathlon. 'Cycling helped me transition into relay-endurance sports,' he says. Its benefits are not just physical. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant emphasises how being on a bike cultivates discipline, humility and leadership. 'In the office, you may be the boss. But on the road, you've got to earn your place in the peloton. Others might wait for you once or twice, but after that, you'd better keep up. It can be a humbling experience. 'And that lesson translates back into the workplace. It helps you understand your team better and you become more compassionate.' He also notes the mental benefits of this activity. 'During solo rides on safe roads, my mind gets to wander. That's when the best ideas come,' he adds. 'But in group rides, you must stay sharp and alert. You're responsible not just for yourself, but also for the safety of others.' Building bond on wheels For Chandran, cycling is both a personal passion and a company-wide movement. 'I started with mountain biking in 2018 and eventually moved to road cycling in 2022,' he shares. 'It began as a fitness goal – something to help me lose weight and stay active. And it worked. I used to weigh 85kg–90kg. Today, I'm 74kg.' Chandran says cycling brings out a different side of people. Chandran's enthusiasm and drive for the sport has become contagious at Batik Air, where he actively encourages employees to join him on rides. 'We even created a new wellness section in our in-flight magazine inspired by cycling,' he adds. 'There's something about riding together – whether it's with colleagues or fellow company executives – that brings out a different side of people.' Like Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Adissadikin, Chandran highlights the absence of hierarchy during group rides. 'At work, I may be the boss. But on the road, my staff have taught me how to gear up hills or pace myself. It levels the playing field.' More than a sport All three leaders agree that cycling is much more than just a physical activity. It's a tool for leadership development, a way to manage stress and a platform for community outreach. 'Cycling teaches you how to face problems,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant. 'If your tyre punctures or your chain drops, you've got to figure it out. You can't always rely on others to fix it for you. It mirrors how we troubleshoot in life and at work.' (From left) Adissadikin, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Chandran each has his own personal goal in cycling. RHB's sponsorship of cycling events like the Lekas Highway Ride and WCE Century Ride speaks of a larger corporate commitment toward community building. Similarly, IJN's Ride 4 Your Heart initiative promotes cardiovascular fitness and a healthy lifestyle through cycling. Cycling is also woven into Batik Air's social mission. 'We supported the cycling mission of a child and helped raise awareness about the benefits of the sport for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It's meaningful when something personal becomes impactful,' says Chandran. Is cycling the new golf? While golf has long been considered the sport of business networking, these corporate leaders suggest cycling is carving its own path – and perhaps, a more inclusive one. 'Golf can be expensive and time-consuming,' Adissadikin observes. 'Cycling, on the other hand, is accessible. Sure, high-end bikes cost a lot of money, but there are also options for beginners. So anyone can cycle.' For (from left) Chandran, Adissadikin and Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, cycling has evolved from a means of staying healthy to a way of fostering camaraderie and friendship. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant agrees. 'We don't cycle to network, but we end up building strong friendships. That sense of camaraderie – whether you're a doctor, banker or businessman – is real.' 'Cycling, they say, builds bridges. You ride together, you sweat together. We see each other for who we really are,' says Chandran. Shaping the future The growing popularity of cycling, however, is not without its challenges. They all point to the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure in Malaysia. 'We need more cycling lanes, rental services and safer routes,' Chandran says, noting how cities like Jakarta and Bangkok have embraced car-free zones and airport-adjacent cycling tracks. 'It's about building a culture that supports it.' (From left) Chandran, Adissadikin and Dr Jeffrey Jeswant agree that the country needs dedicated cycling infrastructure to cater to demands and encourage active living. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, who also sits on the Olympic Council of Malaysia, echoes the need for policy support. 'We're talking to the Youth and Sports Ministry to design cycling-friendly roads and isolated tracks for weekend rides. The demand is there. It's just a matter of will.' They are also constantly setting new personal goals in cycling. Adissadikin is gearing up for his first major ride at the RHB Lekas Highway Ride 2025. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, a seasoned participant in Ironman and Powerman events, continues to support and mentor other sportsmen, including his son. Chandran dreams of riding overseas one day to explore different landscapes and seasons. And while their rides may vary in speed and distance, one thing is clear: cycling has become a source of inspiration, and a way to build resilience and community. Their advice to those who haven't started? 'Just do it,' says Chandran. 'Start small, be consistent and enjoy the ride.' Dr Jeffrey Jeswant adds: 'Get a health check first, especially if you're over 40. Then get on the bike and take that first step.' Adissadikin sums it up simply: 'Don't do it just because others are doing it. Do it because it gives you joy. Once that happens, you'll never look back.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store