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Sazali, Nicol Crowned 2013 sportsman, sportswoman of the year BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sports - New 2 Borneo

Sazali, Nicol Crowned 2013 sportsman, sportswoman of the year

Posted: 19 May 2014 10:57 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: National bodybuilder Sazali Abd Samad and national squash queen Datuk Nicol Ann David were tonight crowned 2013 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the 2013 National Sports Award ceremony.

The award which included a trophy and RM20,000 for each winner was presented by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here.

This is the third time Sazali received the award after winning it the first time in 2006 and again in 2010.

Among the successes of Sazali, 45, was clinching a gold medal at the World Bodybuilding and Physique Federation (WBPF) championships in Hungary last year as well as contributing a silver medal in the under 70kg category (Lightweight) at the SEA Games in Myanmar last December.

For Nicol, who just won her fifth British Open title on Sunday, it was her ninth time winning the award after 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

At the ceremony, Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli and Hemala Devi Enikutty were awarded the National Paralympic Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards.

Muhammad Ziyad, 24, won a gold medal in shot put under the F20 men's category in the International Paralympic Committee World Athletics Championships in 2013 in Lyon, France.

Hemala Devi delivered three gold medals, in the discus throw, shot put and javelin at the Asian Para Games in Myanmar last year.

In his speech, Muhyiddin said the government had always been committed to developing sports as it could bring honours to the country apart from being the best platform to unify the people of various races and religions in the country.

Besides this he said he hoped all parties concerned would cooperate with the Youth and Sports Ministry to ensure plans proceed smoothly and to prevent leadership conflicts.

"It is hoped national sports associations would be act professionally with high commitment to advance sports in the country," he said.

According to him, sports leaders should be more open to efforts of the government to bring the country's sports to competition at international level.

Muhyiddin added that he hoped national sports associations would take on the challenge to rise up and to actively seek funds and sponsorships apart from developing sports more efficiently with better development programmes.

LIST OF AWARD RECIPIENTS:

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1. Sportsman of the Year: Sazali Abd Samad

2. Sportswoman of the Year: Datuk Nicol Ann David

3. National Men's Team: National Youth Hockey Squad – Faiz Helmi Jali, Joel Samuel Van Huizen, Kavin Kartik Govindasamy, Meor Muhamed Azuan Hasan, Mohd

Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri, Mohammad Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, Mohamad Syamim Mohd Yusof, Mohd Fitri Saari, Mohd Nor Aqmal Abdul Gaffar, Mohd Zulhairi Hashim, Muhamad Hafiz Zainol, Mohamad Azri Hassan, Muhammad Firhan Ashari, Muhammad Hafizuddin Othman, Muhammad Haziq Samsul, Muhammad Rashid Baharom, Muhammad Shahril Saabah, Shazril Irwan Nazli.

4. National Women's Team: Aquatics (Diving) – Pandalela Rinong, Leong Mun Yee

5. National Paralympic Sportsman of the Year: Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli

6. National Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year: Hemala Devi Enikutty

7. National Men's Coach: Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah (Hockey)

8. Sports Leadership Award: Admiral (Rtd) Datuk Seri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor (Golf)

9. 2013 Special Award: Mohd Nazar Abdul Rahim (Athletics); Moe Chin Kiat (Badminton) — BERNAMA

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Back up athletes development programme showing results – Khairy

Posted: 19 May 2014 10:55 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry's development programme to produce back athletes is showing results, said its minister Khairy Jamaludin.

He said it had unearthed talents as young as seven years old.

"This programme's success was seen at the Myanmar SEA Games last year when the back up athletes won nine gold, six silver and 15 bronze medals," he said at the 2013 Sports Awards Night at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here tonight.

The awards were presented by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

According to Khairy, the number of back up athletes elevated to the National Sports Council's elite category for 2013 rose to 40 athletes as compared to 39 in 2012, 37 in 2011 and 34 in 2010.

Khairy also said that it was hoped that through the National Football Development Plan, the number of male footballers between the ages of seven an 17 could be increased to 47,500 and to 3,625 women footballers by 2020.

He said the government was committed to see more athletes shine on the international stage and had commenced preparation programmes for big meets like the Commonwealth and Asian Games this year, next year's SEA Games in Singapore and the Rio Olympics in Brazil in 2016.

"My ministry has also started preparing athletes for the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games so that we can emerge as the overall champions," he added. — BERNAMA

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Andree gains from Laurel’s chain woes

Posted: 19 May 2014 10:32 AM PDT

by Marshall Tiong, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 20, 2014, Tuesday

KUCHING: Unheralded Andree Pausek triumphed in the second race of the Series in Baki old town Sunday.

The rider from the fledging Team Sonamu rode to the front of the race on the back of race favourite Laurel Lauridsen Adrian's mechanical difficulties to notch his team's first significant race victory.

The race, hosted by Baki Trail Riders Club with help from Serian District Council, saw the competitors race a demanding 39km route.

Laurel, who was fourth in the Series' opening race in Bau, was leading the first quarter of the race with teammate and masters racer Supian Nor when his chain snapped.

As he made his trailside repair, he was passed by Andree and series leader Glory Chai amongst others.

The UiTM student fought hard to catch the leaders but his chain broke again.

He would be excused if he had quit the race then but the Sabahan refused to give up and his fighting spirit finally pushed him to a fourth place finish in 1hr. 44mins 38secs.

Andre was timed in 1hr 41mins 11secs with Bicycle Emporium's Chai next at 1hr 44mins 28secs.

Lee Yong Hui was third, another 28secs back, to round out the podium.

Sonamu principal Abang Sudirman had more than one reason to celebrate with his junior racer Wan Haikal also winning his race.

He himself also competed in the Open category and finished a commendable tenth.

"Laurel is on a different level, almost like a pro, but he was unlucky," said Sudirman, acknowledging that they had good racing luck at Baki.

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Men secure place in quarters, women display dismal performance

Posted: 19 May 2014 10:31 AM PDT

NEW DELHI: Malaysia's Men's team at the Li-Ning BWF Thomas/Uber Cup comfortably secured a place in the quarterfinals after winning their second match in Group C against Germany 4-1, while the women's team in
Group Z went down against Denmark 2-3 in the opening game itself.

Malaysia breezed through four matches in the Men's team, except for team captain, Daren Liew who failed to deliver any point for the second consecutive day and faces the possibility of being dropped from the next meet against South Korea tomorrow.

"The overall performance (of the men's team) today was satisfactory except for that of Daren Liew who is still finding his game," national singles chief coach, Rashid Sidek told reporters at the Siri Fort Stadium here,yesterday.

"We will discuss with the other coaches, We might make changes for the fourth singles, but this is still under discussion," he said, when asked if Daren Liew will be replaced with Goh Soon Huat.

Asked further if the team would be taking a risk by doing that, Rashid said," If we feel we have to do that, we will. What is important is that we make the decision that is the best for the team."

Malaysia's men's first singles, Datuk Lee Chong Wei thrashed Zwiebler Marc 21-14-21-8.

Although, the win against Germany automatically gives Malaysia a position in the quarterfinals, the team should also win against South Korea on Wednesday and top Group C, said Chong Wei.

"I also want the team to win against Korea so that we will be the group leader, which means we won't meet China and there will be higher chances of us going to semi-finals," he said.

Malaysia's target for the Thomas Cup is to qualify for the semifinals.

First doubles, Tan Boon Heong/Tan Wee Kiong won against Johannes Schoettler/Michael Fuchs 13-21, 21-17, 21-18 while Chong Wei Feng defeated Dieter Domke 19-21, 22-20, 23-21.

Wei Feng made a stunning comeback to win the game from the second match onwards.

"I have always said that my weak point is to play against a taller opponent. — Bernama

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Van Gaal named Man United manager

Posted: 19 May 2014 09:41 AM PDT

LONDON: Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal will take over as the new manager of Manchester United after the World Cup with Ryan Giggs as his assistant, the club announced Monday.

Van Gaal, 62, has signed a three-year contract to David Moyes who was sacked in April after a disastrous run of results.

His duties with the Dutch national side means van Gaal will not be able to join up with United until after the World Cup in Brazil, which would not be until mid-July if the Netherlands reach the latter stages of the tournament.

Van Gaal, a disciplinarian who has won domestic titles and cups with Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as the Champions League, will become the first manager from outside the British Isles to take charge of United.

In a statement he said he was looking forward to taking charge of the "biggest club in the world".

"It was always a wish for me to work in the Premier League," van Gaal explained.

"To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud.

"I have managed in games at Old Trafford before and know what an incredible arena Old Trafford is and how passionate and knowledgeable the fans are.

"This club has big ambitions. I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."

Giggs, United's record appearance holder who was in charge for the final four games of the season after Moyes' departure, added: "I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager.

"Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters.

"Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key role," Giggs added.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, under pressure to oversee a revival in the club's fortunes, said: "In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today.

"He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story."

Van Gaal quickly quickly emerged as the favourite to take over at Old Trafford after Moyes was dismissed. — AFP

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Malaysia trounce India in Group C first round

Posted: 18 May 2014 04:18 PM PDT

NEW DELHI: Malaysia trounced India 4-1 in Group C first round match of the Li-Ning BWF Thomas Cup at the Siri Fort Stadium New Delhi, here yesterday.

Malaysia's first match point was delivered by world number one men's single Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who easily tamed K.Srikanth 21-19, 21-12.

"I have to try to play better," said Chong Wei, who took 35 mins to beat his opponent yesterday.

Asked on the court condition, he said there were issues with the wind (air-conditioner) but one just needed to get use to different types of court.

"I have played here before. So, I am used to it."

Similar momentum was displayed by Malaysia first double duo, Tan Boon Heong/Hoon Thien How and second men's single Chong Wei Feng.

Tan/Hoon beat B.Sumeeth Reddy/Manu Attri 21-14,21-11, while Chong, who is playing for Thomas Cup for the first time brushed Kashyap Parupalli aside 21-13, 21-6. — Bernama

"I was surprised myself as all the previous meet with Kashyap, I won in double set. This is the first time I beat him in straight set," said Chong as he edged his head on head record with Kashyap to 4:0. — Bernama

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