Jayden and Cheng Feng rule their pet events at SEA Championships
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The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Strong cooperation between KBS and Kelantan drives SUKMA 2028 preparations
THE preparations for the 2028 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Kelantan are progressing smoothly, thanks to the strong collaboration between the state government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS). Minister Hannah Yeoh said a meeting had been held between the KBS secretary-general and the Kelantan state secretary, and cooperation between both parties is now progressing well. 'We've already announced that Kelantan will be the host of SUKMA in 2028, and the KBS secretary-general has met with the Kelantan state secretary. Cooperation is now progressing smoothly. 'The progress of all stadiums and facilities under development is also on schedule, so I don't foresee any issues,' she told reporters after officiating at the ASEAN Youth Robot Challenge 2025 competition here today. Hannah added that the Bukit Merbau Sports Complex is expected to be completed by September 2027, and the project has currently reached 17.84 per cent construction progress according to the project timeline. It was reported that the construction of the RM180 million sports complex is part of the MADANI Government's efforts to provide the Kelantan people with quality sports facilities aimed at producing more new talent to bring glory to the nation on the world stage. Hannah also highlighted the need to upgrade the Sultan Yahya Petra Swimming Pool, one of the oldest pools in Kelantan, which was built in 1972. 'We've identified a clear need to upgrade and improve the existing pool to ensure it is safe for use, especially for young children. 'This facility belongs to the Ministry of Education, but KBS will try to assist because we are conducting free swimming classes for B40 children there (in Kelantan),' she said.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Thomas Cup hero Soon Kit returns to coaching in Europe
Good old days: Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang in action during the 1992 Thomas Cup Finals. The Star/Chow Chin Huat PETALING JAYA: After a seven-year hiatus, former national shuttler, Datuk Cheah Soon Kit is set to return to coaching, this time on foreign soil. The 57-year-old, who won a men's doubles silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, revealed that he has accepted a short-term assignment abroad, expected to last about six weeks. However, he declined to reveal the exact location, only hinting that it will be in Europe. 'I'll be heading overseas next month, but just for a brief period. I can say it's somewhere in Europe,' said Soon Kit during the launch of the "Sentuhan Wira" film project in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, which pays tribute to Malaysia's 1992 Thomas Cup triumph. 'I've never coached abroad before, but the offer came after repeated approaches from the organisers. Since it's a short-term stint, I agreed to it. 'I probably shouldn't be saying too much as it's only a temporary arrangement," he added. Soon Kit last served as a coach with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in 2016, overseeing the men's doubles department. His tenure ended two years later when his contract was not renewed. Despite being away from the scene, Soon Kit has been keeping an eye on the national squad and is pleased with the men's doubles performances over the past six months. Top pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, currently ranked world No. 2, have enjoyed a strong run, winning the Asian Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open. Rising duo Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun have also impressed, climbing to world No. 7 and securing the Indonesia Masters and Malaysia Masters titles. Up-and-coming pair Fazriq Razif-Bryan Jeremy Goonting have shown signs of improvement as well, bouncing back from criticism to capture the Sri Lanka International crown. Soon Kit hopes the pairs can sustain their fine form in the second half of the season. 'As a Malaysian, of course I want them to maintain this momentum. But to do that, they must stay hungry, remain consistent in their performance and, most importantly, learn to handle the pressure because that's part and parcel of being at the top. 'In fact, they may need to work even harder now to hold on to what they've achieved," said Soon Kit.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Back to rule again
Denmark men's singles shuttler Viktor Axelsen in action against China's Lu Guangzu during the semi-final match of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Saturday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Beware of wounded tiger Viktor Axelsen! Expect the Danish men singles shuttler to come roaring back in the second half of the year with his eyes set on the World Championships from Aug 25-31 in Paris after an injury-disrupted year so far. The two-time former world champion has been sidelined since April due to a back issue and underwent surgery but has returned to training and is set to make a strong comeback in the world meet. And this should serve as a warning for the others, who have had one less strong hurdle to deal with in the last few tournaments. Former great Datuk Rashid Sidek said the return of Axelsen will make the men's singles interesting again. 'We need a strong calibre player like Viktor to add spice in the men's singles contest. His return bring back the excitement,' said Rashid. 'The Dane has set the standard very high and if his back to his best form (after the injury), we can expect good matches in upcoming tournaments, especially at this year's world meet.' Axelsen will be out to become only the second men's singles player after Chinese legend Lin Dan to capture the world title more than twice after his previous victories in 2017 and 2022. Lin Dan won the crown a record five times in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. Before his injury troubles, Axelsen won the Indian Open and German Open titles and will be keen to get back to his best form in his bid to chase Lin Dan's record. The Dane will also be spurred on by sweet memories as the prestigious meet this time will be held at Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle which is the same venue as the Paris Olympics last August where Axelsen memorably won his second consecutive gold in the showpiece event. Among the other contenders for the men's singles title in the world meet are Thailand's world No. 1 and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, China's world No. 3 Shi Yuqi and Axelsen's teammate Anders Antonsen. In the last edition in 2023, Kunlavut created history by becoming the first Thai shuttler to win the men's singles crown after beating Japan's Kodai Naraoka. Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia is also expected to return in the second half of the year but it's unsure whether he would be able to keep up with the pace after being out for a long time this year. The draw will be released on Aug 12.
