Browsing Category

Sports

443 posts

FAS’s Bernard Tan under fire: Netizens slam blame shift onto players for lackluster performance

Addressing Singapore’s recent 0-7 loss to Malaysia at the SEA Games, Bernard Tan, acting president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), admitted room for improvement and promised a thorough review. Amid public calls for accountability, Tan acknowledged fan frustration and accepted responsibility for on-field results. However, fiery debates questioned FAS leadership, with critics pushing for top management to be held accountable, sparking calls for a comprehensive overhaul.

Political instability caused disruption to Malaysia’s athletes, says Malaysian Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh

Despite fielding the fifth largest contingent of 677 athletes and setting a target of winning 40 gold medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Malaysians were left disheartened as the country recorded its worst-ever performance in the SEA Games, raising concerns about the future of Malaysian sports. Hannah Yeoh, the Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister in Anwar’s Cabinet, has highlighted the adverse effects of political instability on Malaysia’s athletes and their performance, including in the recently concluded SEA Games.

Olympian says ‘toxic’ culture in Malaysian swimming

A former Olympian has criticized the “toxic and negative” team culture in Malaysian swimming, attributing it to the poor performance at the Southeast Asian Games. Marilyn Chua, a coach and former athlete, highlighted the lack of unity, leadership, fairness, and transparency in the national team’s selection process. She called for changes in leadership and collaboration between the national swimming federation and state associations to foster a more conducive environment for growth and success. Malaysia Swimming has been approached for comment.

Singaporean swimmer Quah Ting Wen crowned Best Athlete at the 2023 SEA Games

Singaporean swimmer Quah Ting Wen was celebrated as one of the Best Athletes at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia, clinching an impressive six golds and two silvers. Her victories include setting a new meet record in the 50m freestyle event and achieving Singapore’s 1,000th SEA Games gold in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.

Malaysia fails to meet target goal of 40-gold and sets worst-ever record in SEA Games 2023

Malaysia’s disappointing performance at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, with only 34 gold medals instead of the targeted 40, has raised concerns about the country’s sports future. Host Cambodia achieved its best-ever performance, finishing fourth with 81 gold medals. The outcome has prompted calls for action from sports authorities to address the decline. Malaysia’s Chef de Mission apologized while expressing confidence in future improvements.

FAS acting president issues apology for blunt Instagram remark

On 12 May, Bernard Tan, acting president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), apologized for his abrupt response to a comment about Singapore’s loss to Malaysia. The FAS faced criticism as the under-22 team finished last in the group with zero wins. Tan set his Instagram account to private and issued an apology, acknowledging the fans’ frustration and pledging to focus on supporting the players. The FAS Council, led by Tan, includes former military generals and politicians, drawing concerns about the management’s expertise in football.

Singapore and Indonesia share gold in controversial SEA Games E-sports final

Singapore’s esports team won their first gold medal at the SEA Games, but controversy arose as Indonesia initially forfeited the final due to allegations of cheating. Indonesia and Singapore was later awarded a joint gold after a review. The dispute was centered around the Singapore squad allegedly exploiting a Cypher camera bug in the game Valorant, giving them an unfair advantage.

Indonesia in FIFA talks after U-20 World Cup Israel protests

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has sent the head of the country’s football association to meet with FIFA in Qatar to find a solution following the cancellation of the Under-20 World Cup draw. Protests erupted over Israel’s participation, with Bali’s governor calling for the country’s removal from the cup. The cancellation could result in Indonesia facing isolation on the global football stage if it can’t guarantee Israel’s participation.

Indonesia policeman jailed over football stadium crush

Indonesian court jails a police officer for 18 months over negligence in one of the worst stadium disasters in football history. Last year’s crush in Malang killed 135 people after a football match when police fired tear gas causing a deadly stampede. The court found Hasdarmawan, a commander for the East Java police’s mobile brigade unit, guilty of failing to predict the situation and ordering the tear gas. The sentence was shorter than the three years prosecutors had asked for. Another police officer was found not guilty, while one more was awaiting a verdict on negligence.

Power cut to Paris 2024 Olympic sites in pensions protest: union

French labour union cuts power to Olympic Village and Stade de France stadium in protest of controversial pension reform. Transport and public services have been disrupted for three days. The government says raising the retirement age and pension requirements are necessary to avoid a deficit.