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KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 6 -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil congratulated the national men's doubles pair of Nur Izzuddin Ramsani and Goh Sze Fei for winning the championship title at the Indonesia Open Badminton Championship at Istora Senayan, Jakarta yesterday. He said the success ended Malaysia's 18-year wait to lift the Indonesian Open men's doubles title. "Thank you for the extraordinary fighting spirit that ended Malaysia's 18-year wait to once again lift the Indonesian Open men's doubles title, and make the country proud. "Malaysians are always behind you both," he said in a Facebook post yesterday. The world's eighth ranked pair emerged as the men's doubles champions after defeating Indonesian representatives Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin 13-21, 21-18, 21-10. -- BERNAMA

Izzuddin, Sze Fei’s success makes the nation proud, ends Malaysia’s 18-year wait – YB Fahmi Fadzil

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 6 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil congratulated the national men’s doubles pair of Nur Izzuddin Ramsani and Goh Sze Fei for winning the championship title at .... read more

"Last dance," the Santos forward replied in the comments section, using a phrase often associated with NBA legend Michael Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98. Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has not played for the national team since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023. Since then, he has dealt with a series of injuries, the latest of which is a calf muscle injury that is likely to see him miss Brazil's opening match against Morocco on June 13. -- NAMED-XINHUA

The 2026 World Cup may be Neymar’s last

NEW JERSEY: Brazilian forward Neymar has hinted that the FIFA World Cup tournament that begins on Thursday may be his last appearance on the world’s biggest stage, Xinhua reported. The .... read more

SEATTLE, June 5 -- As Seattle prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Space Needle and Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ (SeattleFWC26) today unveiled a dramatic transformation of Seattle's most iconic landmark. A giant soccer ball now welcomes visitors above the city skyline in celebration of the world's biggest sporting event and Seattle's role as a Host City. The idea of reimagining the top of the Space Needle into a soccer ball emerged during a brainstorming session with SeattleFWC26, guided by a simple question: if the world is watching Seattle, how could the city welcome fans with something they have never seen before? What began as a bold early sketch quickly grew into a concept that continued to challenge and inspire the team throughout its development. The modified roof stands as a visual symbol of both the universal love of the game and the excitement building across the region as Seattle prepares to host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches and welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe. "With just days until the world arrives in Seattle, this activation captures the energy building across our region," said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. "The Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. Seeing it reimagined as a soccer ball sends a powerful message that Seattle is ready to welcome the world." The metamorphosis was made possible through a partnership between the Space Needle and SeattleFWC26 and executed by Seattle-based Long Painting Company. Crews worked 605 feet above Seattle Center to carefully apply the custom soccer ball design to the Space Needle's iconic sloped roof. "Throughout its history, the Space Needle has played a role in some of the most defining moments for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest," said Ron Sevart, CEO of the Space Needle. "This project celebrates not only soccer, but the global connections, community spirit and excitement that the tournament will bring to the city." The project required specialized equipment, precision planning and close coordination with the Space Needle team to complete the work safely while watching the weather forecasts closely. Known for its work on some of the Pacific Northwest's most complex and high-profile structures, Long Painting brought deep expertise and craftsmanship to this installation. "This is more than a paint project," said Jonathon Holca, General Manager at Long Painting. "Our team understood from day one that we were helping create a moment that would be seen around the world. We're incredibly proud to play a role in turning the symbol of Seattle into a symbol of the world's game." Visible across the city and beyond, the transformed Space Needle is expected to become one of the defining images of Seattle's FIFA World Cup 2026™ celebration. The project was documented through drone videography, time-lapse photography and behind-the-scenes footage capturing the scale, precision and complexity of the transformation. Seattle is one of 16 Host Cities across North America selected to host FIFA World Cup 2026™, the largest FIFA World Cup in history. The tournament is expected to attract millions of visitors and billions of viewers worldwide, providing an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Seattle, Washington State and the Pacific Northwest on a global stage. The Space Needle's shift into a soccer ball will remain a centerpiece of Seattle's FIFA World Cup celebrations and a visual reminder of the city's role in one of the world's most celebrated sporting events. A Video News Release (VNR), including broadcast-quality drone footage, time-lapse video, photography and behind-the-scenes content, is available at the link below. Canto About Space Needle Built as the centerpiece of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the Space Needle has since become the defining icon of the Seattle skyline and a symbol of innovation and optimism. Following its $100 million renovation, the landmark now features more than 176 tons of glass, including The Loupe—the world's first and only revolving glass floor. Open year-round, the Space Needle welcomes more than one million visitors annually. For more information, visit spaceneedle.com. About Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ (SeattleFWC26) is the official Local Organizing Committee responsible for planning and delivering Seattle's Host City activities for FIFA World Cup 2026™. Working alongside public, private, and community partners, SeattleFWC26 is committed to creating an inclusive and memorable tournament experience while delivering lasting benefits to the region. About Long Painting Founded in 1967, Long Painting is one of the Pacific Northwest's largest industrial and commercial coating contractors. The company has delivered complex coating projects across North America, including landmark structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Space Needle. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship, safety, and innovation, Long Painting provides specialized coating solutions for infrastructure including bridges, ferries, water treatment facilities, hospitals, schools, and high-rise buildings. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Space Needle

Seattle Welcomes the World: Space Needle Transforms into Giant Soccer Ball for FIFA World Cup 2026™

SEATTLE, June 5 — As Seattle prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Space Needle and Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ (SeattleFWC26) today unveiled a dramatic .... read more

BEIJING, June 5 -- The 2026 Taklimakan Rally concluded on June 1 in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bringing to an end a grueling 17-day off-road challenge that traversed deserts, Gobi landscapes and vast stretches of rugged terrain across the region. In the overall standings, Lu Binglong and his co-driver Gao Zhenwei claimed the championship title. Fan Gaoxiang and Chen Qingkai finished second, while Lin Dewei and Wang Yang secured third place. Karimov Bogdan, Nikitin Dmitrii and Akhmetzianov Ilgiz won the truck category, while Zhakeer Yakefu emerged victorious in the motorcycle category. This year's edition covered a total distance of 7,500 kilometers, including 3,400 kilometers of special stages. The rally featured seven bivouacs in Urumqi, Turpan, Korla, Qiemo, Luopu, Maigaiti and Aksu. Nearly 300 competitors and 152 race vehicles, including nine trucks, took part in the event, setting all-time highs for both participants and vehicles in the rally's history. This year also marked a record level of participation from Chinese automakers, with five manufacturers fielding nearly 50 production-based vehicles in competition. The event also continued to expand its international reach, attracting 28 overseas drivers from eight countries, including Russia, Argentina and Spain. Among the international entrants was Russia's Kamaz Master Team, one of the most successful names in off-road motorsports. Founded in 1988, the team has won the Dakar Rally's truck category 19 times and remains a dominant force in international rally raid competition. The 2026 edition also marked a milestone for China's motorsports industry. For the first time, domestically produced 103-octane high-performance racing fuel was officially used. More than just an off-road race that pushes drivers to their limits, the Taklimakan Rally also serves as a vibrant intersection of diverse civilizations along the ancient Silk Road. Participants and spectators can immerse themselves in multicultural experiences, savor local delicacies, and admire stunning landscapes featuring snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, rivers, and canyons. Against the roar of engines, a captivating tourism scroll blending nature and culture unfolds. First held in 2005, the Taklimakan Rally has evolved into China's flagship long-distance off-road rally. Its inclusion in the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) calendar in 2024 marked a significant step toward greater international recognition, reflecting the event's growing influence on the global motorsports stage. -- PRNewswire -- Source: CCTV+

CCTV+: 2026 Taklimakan Rally Concludes in Xinjiang After 17-Day Desert Challenge

BEIJING, June 5 — The 2026 Taklimakan Rally concluded on June 1 in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bringing to an end a grueling 17-day off-road challenge that traversed .... read more

PETALING JAYA: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has proposed that the management of the Harimau Malaya squad be fully returned to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) as part of the reform recommendations resulting from an audit of the country's football governing body. AFC Secretary-General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said the proposal was included in the recommendations submitted to FAM through the governance audit presented at the FAM Extraordinary Congress (EGM) here today. He said the proposal aims to ensure that the management of the national team is under a clear administrative structure through the FAM national team committee. "Back to FAM. The national team committee has to manage, meaning FAM has to manage, just like before," he said when met by reporters at the FAM EGM here today. Previously, the management of the national team went through a restructuring process, which saw the involvement of professional management with Rob Friend appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Harimau Malaya to help strengthen the operations and development of the national squad. Earlier, the AFC presented an audit report on the administration of FAM which also formed the basis for the proposed amendment to the statute to strengthen the governance of the country's football governing body. The AFC's proposed statute amendment was then unanimously approved by the FAM affiliate members. Among the main proposals are the abolition of the position of Deputy President, reducing the number of Vice Presidents to three, and restructuring the FAM Executive Committee (Exco). The audit report also found that most aspects of FAM's operations were at Level 2 (Pre-Intermediate), thus showing that there is still room for improvement in various areas of organizational administration and management. The assessment covers 11 key areas including governance and legal, administration, finance, human resources, infrastructure, communications, marketing, commercial development, advocacy, competition and performance development. -- BERNAMA

AFC recommends Harimau Malaya management be returned to FAM

PETALING JAYA: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has proposed that the management of the Harimau Malaya squad be fully returned to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) as part of .... read more

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has always provided support and encouragement to national Moto3 racer, Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli, to continue to bring glory to the country at the World Motorcycle Championship. Its Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said that not only Hakim Danish, but his party also provided support for the development of the country's two-wheeled motorsports through a fund injection of RM1.8 million this year. "We always provide support to all our athletes, such as this year under the Sports Matching Grant, we channeled RM800,000." "Through SIC (Sepang International Circuit) we channeled RM1 million. So the total for this year is RM1.8 million," he said. Dr Mohammed Taufiq said this at a press conference after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the National Youth and Sports Department with Delivery Hero Malaysia Sdn Bhd (foodpanda Malaysia), MyTeksi Sdn Bhd (Grab Malaysia) and Gamuda Land Leisure Sdn Bhd. He said KBS would also discuss any assistance and distribution of additional funds, including to Judge Danish following his success in scoring his first podium this season at the Italian Grand Prix (GP) at the Mugello Circuit, as well as recognising the great potential of motorsports for the development of national sports. Last March, KBS confirmed that no specific funds were given to the Terengganu rider to help him navigate this season's Moto3 campaign. Last Sunday, the 18-year-old racer created a sensational success by achieving his first podium of the season after finishing third in the Italian GP at the Mugello Circuit. The AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSi team rider was 0.456 seconds (s) behind the race winner, Brian Uriarte from the Red Bull KTM Ajo team who recorded a time of 33 minutes 07.80s while second went to his teammate Alvaro Carpe (33:08.219s). Hakim Danish's achievement at the Italian GP saw him end Malaysia's podium drought in the Moto3 competition since Khairul Idham Pawi last achieved it when he emerged victorious at the Argentine GP in 2016. Dr Mohammed Taufiq also congratulated Judge Danish on the Terengganu-born racer's proud success. Earlier, he said the two-year MOU with the three companies at today's ceremony was a sign of support for the Rakan Muda programme with attractive offers for those who participate in the programme, including discounts on Foodpanda Malaysia and a free two-month subscription fee for Grab Unlimited by Grab Malaysia. -- BERNAMA

KBS always supports Judge Danish

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has always provided support and encouragement to national Moto3 racer, Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli , to continue to bring glory to the .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: Throwball has great potential as a new sport that can expand the participation of people with disabilities (OKU) in competitive sports, as well as opening up opportunities for the country to achieve success on the international stage . Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) President Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said the sport is currently growing in the international arena, and has the potential to be competed in the Commonwealth Games in the future before paving the way to bigger platforms including the Paralympic Games. He said Malaysia had formed men's and women's teams to compete in international tournaments after the conclusion of the Asian Para Throwball Championships, which were held from yesterday until June 5 in the capital. "This is a new sport and I believe the team that has been formed can bring surprises. After the tournament in Malaysia, we also see the opportunity to send a team to India to gain more competition experience," he said. He said this to reporters after officiating the Second Asian Para Throwball Championship 2026 at the Paralympic Sports Centre of Excellence, here today. Megat D Shahriman said the development of throwball is also in line with MPM's goal of providing more sports options for the disabled community in the country. He said the sport could be an alternative for athletes who may not be suitable or meet the classification for other para sports such as para powerlifting , amputee football or sitting volleyball. "We want more individuals with disabilities to participate in sports. It's not necessarily that they can play all types of sports, but maybe they can play throwball . Our objective is to ensure that more individuals with disabilities can adopt a healthy lifestyle and undergo the rehabilitation process through sports," he said. Commenting on the national contingent for the Asian Para Throwball Championship, he said 22 athletes, consisting of 11 men and 11 women, were selected to represent the country after a selection process involving nearly 50 participants. "This sport is still very new and in the early stages of development. If it is contested at the Commonwealth Games, our chances of winning a medal are bright because many countries are still in the development phase of this sport," he said. -- BERNAMA

MPM aims to leverage throwball to achieve international success

KUALA LUMPUR: Throwball has great potential as a new sport that can expand the participation of people with disabilities (OKU) in competitive sports, as well as opening up opportunities for .... read more

Moto3: Reluctant to give up mentality drives Danish Hakim to maiden podium

KUALA LUMPUR: The mentality of refusing to give up is the key to the success of national Moto3 racer Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli, who managed to achieve his first podium .... read more

There are great players. There are legends. And then there are players who permanently redefine the identity of a football club. Mohamed Salah was never just another forward for Liverpool. He became the face of Liverpool’s modern revival; the symbol of an era that transformed the club from hopeful contenders into one of Europe’s most feared football institutions once again. Now, as Salah prepares to leave Anfield at the end of the season, it feels less like a normal transfer and more like the closing chapter of an epic story that lasted nearly a decade. And one enormous question now hangs over Liverpool Football Club: Are Liverpool truly ready to live without Mohamed Salah? From “Chelsea Reject” to King of Merseyside Many people forget that Salah’s first spell in English football was widely viewed as a failure. During his time at Chelsea, he struggled for opportunities, failed to fully adapt to the intensity of the Premier League, and was often dismissed as a player who simply was not ready for English football. In modern football, many careers never recover from that label. But Salah chose the difficult path instead of the easy one. He rebuilt himself in Italy, first with Fiorentina and later with AS Roma, where he evolved into a devastating attacking weapon; direct, explosive, clinical, and terrifying in transition. Even then, few expected what would happen next. When Liverpool signed Salah in 2017 under Jürgen Klopp, skepticism surrounded the deal. Many believed the transfer fee was too high for a player they considered “just another fast winger.” That judgment aged horribly. Because Salah did not merely become good. He became a phenomenon. The Arrival That Changed Liverpool Forever Salah’s first season at Liverpool was absurd. Goals arrived every week. Records disappeared constantly. Premier League defenses were torn apart by his movement, finishing, and relentless attacking intelligence. He was not a traditional winger. He was a statistical machine. Almost immediately, Salah transformed Liverpool into something entirely different. Klopp’s aggressive, high-pressing system suddenly had the perfect final piece on the right flank. The trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino became one of the most feared attacking combinations of the modern Premier League era. But brutally speaking, Salah was the primary output of that system. While other players experienced fluctuations in form, Salah almost always delivered the same things consistently: goals, assists and constant attacking danger. That is what separates elite players from legends. Consistency. The End of an Era This final season feels different. Salah still remains dangerous. Still decisive. Still capable of changing games within seconds. But there is also the unmistakable feeling of fatigue surrounding a generation that has spent years competing at the highest possible level. Liverpool themselves are entering a major transition: Jürgen Klopp is leaving, the structure of the squad is changing, a new generation is emerging, and the club’s identity is slowly being rebuilt. Salah appears to understand this perfectly. Instead of staying too long and allowing decline to damage his legacy, he seems prepared to leave while still operating at an elite level. Historically, many football legends remain at clubs long enough for supporters to remember the decline more than the greatness. Salah appears determined not to let that happen. And that may be one of the smartest decisions of his career. The Tragic Greatness of Liverpool’s Klopp Era Perhaps the biggest debate surrounding this Liverpool generation is whether they should have won far more than they actually did. The unfortunate reality is that Liverpool existed during the era of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, a machine-like football empire that constantly pushed the standards of English football to impossible levels. In another era, this Liverpool side may have: won multiple Premier League titles, built a true dynasty, and been universally recognised as one of the greatest teams in football history. Instead, history will only see the trophies, not the context behind them. And that makes the Salah era feel slightly tragic despite its brilliance. Is Mohamed Salah Liverpool’s Greatest Modern Player? Statistically, the argument is extremely strong. In terms of impact, it may be even stronger. Salah did not simply score goals for Liverpool. He helped restore the club to European football’s elite level once again. He: ended Liverpool’s long Premier League title drought, helped deliver the UEFA Champions League, elevated the standards of the entire club, and turned Liverpool back into a team feared across Europe. For many supporters, he became the defining face of modern Liverpool itself. Liverpool After Salah Could Be Dangerous — And Not in a Good Way Replacing Mohamed Salah is not as simple as signing another winger. Liverpool are not just losing goals. They are losing: leadership, durability, consistency, fear factor, and an almost guaranteed source of elite attacking production. Football today is filled with talented players. But players capable of delivering world-class output for nearly an entire decade are extraordinarily rare. That is legendary territory. And Liverpool’s biggest challenge may not be finding another talented forward. It may be accepting that players like Salah do not appear often within a single generation. What Comes Next for Salah? Many expect Salah’s next destination to be Saudi Arabia, where massive financial projects continue attracting football’s biggest global stars. And honestly, he no longer has anything left to prove. His legacy is already complete. He arrived in England as a player once considered a failure. He leaves as one of the greatest players in Premier League history. That transformation alone is extraordinary. The End of Liverpool’s Modern Identity Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool is not merely the departure of a footballer. It represents the ending of an entire Liverpool identity. An identity built upon: relentless high pressing, lightning-fast attacks, chaotic European nights at Anfield, and a team capable of frightening the biggest clubs in world football. Salah became the face of that era. And when he leaves, Liverpool will not simply lose a forward. They will lose a symbol. Which is why the biggest question facing Liverpool today is no longer: “Who replaces Mohamed Salah?” But rather: “Will Liverpool ever find another player like him again within this generation?” -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Mohamed Salah’s Departure Marks the End of Liverpool’s Modern Identity

There are great players. There are legends. And then there are players who permanently redefine the identity of a football club. Mohamed Salah was never just another forward for Liverpool. .... read more

MENGKUANG TITI, May 27 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday officiated the launch of Faisal Halim’s DNA Football Academy in Mengkuang Titi, describing the initiative as an important step towards empowering grassroots football development and discovering young sporting talents in the country. Anwar said the academy would serve not only as a football training centre, but also as a platform to nurture discipline, fighting spirit and self-confidence among the younger generation. He expressed confidence that the future of Malaysian sports depends on continuous efforts to shape young talents with strong values such as hard work, discipline and commitment. The Prime Minister also voiced hope that the academy would produce more talented players capable of elevating Malaysia’s name on the international stage. “Insya-Allah, this academy will help produce a new generation of footballers who can bring pride to the nation,” he said in a statement today. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE : FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Ibrahim Launches Faisal Halim’s DNA Football Academy to Strengthen Grassroots Football

MENGKUANG TITI, May 27 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday officiated the launch of Faisal Halim’s DNA Football Academy in Mengkuang Titi, describing the initiative as an important step towards .... read more

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