Legenda Bola Sepak Dollah Don Meninggal Dunia Akibat Sakit Tua

JOHOR BAHARU, 24 Dis (Bernama) -- Legenda bola sepak Abdullah Mohd Don atau Dollah Don, 91, meninggal dunia awal pagi tadi akibat sakit tua.

Anak Allahyarham, Ali, 55, berkata bapanya yang pernah mendapat jolokan 'Harimau Malaya' meninggal kira-kira pukul 4 pagi di Hospital Pakar Puteri di sini.

"Allahyarham mula uzur sejak dua tahun lepas dan dibawa ke Unit Kecemasan Hospital Pakar Puteri semalam selepas semakin lemah," katanya di rumah Allahyarham di Taman Datuk Onn, Larkin.

Allahyarham yang kematian isteri empat tahun lepas meninggalkan lima anak serta 15 cucu.

Jenazah Allahyarham selamat dikebumikan di Tanah Perkuburan Islam Mahmoodiah di sini tengah hari Rabu.

Bekas Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Johor (PBNJ), Datuk Suleiman Md Noor menyifatkan Dollah Don sebagai pemain bola yang hebat dan individu yang membangunkan bola sepak moden negara.

"Allahyarham pernah beraksi untuk pasukan bola sepak di China, Singapura dan Indonesia pada era 40-an dan 50-an.

"Presiden Indonesia, Seokarno yang memberi gelaran Harimau Malaya kepada Allahyarham selepas terpukau melihat aksi beliau (mewakili Melayu Singapura) menjaringkan hatrik dalam perlawanan menentang sebuah kelab bola sepak Indonesia (Peseja) pada 1953," katanya.

Nicol, a true legend who keeps on going

Malaysia's world No.1 squash player Nicol David flashes an electric smile as she holds aloft the Women's World Championship trophy she won in Cairo on Saturday. This was her eighth career world title. - Squashsite

PETALING JAYA: Turning 31 this year has not been such a bad thing for Malaysian squash queen Nicol David after all.

The world No.1 managed to defy the odds to complete a sensational comeback to win the Women’s World Championship, beating home favourite Raneem El Welily in the final at the Wadi Degla Squash Club in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday.

Nicol showed supreme mental strength to save four match points in the fourth set as she went on to beat world No.3 Raneem 5-11, 11-8, 7-11, 14-12, 11-5 in 66 minutes.

It was a record eighth world title for the Penangite and her 78th Women’s Squash Association (WSA) Tour title.

With the World Championship success, Nicol is now set to equal the all-time 105-month record of New Zealand’s Susan Devoy as the world No.1. The Malaysian is on a 104-month reign at the top of the squash world.

There were speculations that she was on the decline when she faltered in the semi-finals of the delayed 2013 World Championships, which was held in front of her Penang home crowd early this year.

But Nicol proved the critics wrong. She sank to her knees and shed tears of joy after the winning point on Saturday and dedicated the win to her team and her parents – and effectively sealing her legend status in the women’s game.

“Raneem was playing so well. I had to find something and not let go. I just kept fighting,” said Nicol.
“And I really want to share this win with my team. Liz (Irving) my coach whom I’ve been working with for the past 12 years, my psychologist Frank (Cabooter), the National Sports Council (NSC) and everyone else who has supported my whole career.

“It’s also my parents’ wedding anniversary today (Saturday), so this is a special moment as well.
“I also want to add that Raneem has been a real contender, a role model to every kid in Egypt as well and I have to look out for her in the future,” added Nicol, who has so far been unbeaten in all her eight world meet final appearances.

All in, it has been a successful but hectic year for Nicol. She also won golds medal at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and led Malaysia to their first-ever second-place finish at the Women’s World Team Championship.

She will now take a break for Christmas and will return to defend her title at the Tournament of Champions in New York, from Jan 16-23.

Ex-national sprinter Thor Gim Soon has passed away

Thor Gim Soon (right) shakes hands with an unknown person during an athletics meet. - Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: Former national sprinter Thor Gim Soon has passed away.
Known as the “Mighty Thor” by his friends, he won the 4X100m bronze medal in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.

He was 74.

The other members of the relay team were Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, V. Vijaratnam and Shahrudin Mohd Ali.

Jamie Thor Lean Mei, 38, said her father passed away on Sunday morning due to pneumonia.
“He loved the sport so much and was even barred from taking his General Certificate of Education (GCE) because he trained all the time. My dad was only 18 then,” she recalled fondly.

Dr Jegathesan said that Thor was a hard working athlete and a good friend whom one could depend on.

“We were close like any other team-mate and would meet up once in a while. It is always sad when a colleague passes away.”

“He was from Perak and we all featured for Malaysia in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games at the age of 18. It was great winning the bronze in the 4x100m as it was a tipping point for athletics in Malaysia.
“It was also a new adventure for the four of us - Thor, Shahrudin, Vijaratnam and me,” said Dr. Jegathesan.

Thor joined the Taiping Prison Department as a prison officer in 1966 and retired as an assistant superintendent at the Penang Prison Department 33 years later.

He is survived by his wife Tan Poh Swan, 62, daughters Jamie, Cindy Thor Dee Mei 33, Josephine Thor Yu Mei, 28, and son Danny Thor Lean Aik, 32.

His wake was held at the Khoo Kongsi Funeral Parlour in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam. His remains will be cremated at the Batu Gantong Crematorium at 2pm on Tuesday.

Wanita Malaysia Muncul Pengadil Wanita Terbaik Asia 2014

Post by Ini Khairy Lah.

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 Dis (Bernama) -- Pengadil wanita Rita Ghani melakarkan sejarah bola sepak negara apabila memenangi Anugerah Pengadil Wanita Terbaik Asia 2014 sempena Majlis Anugerah Konfederasi Bola Sepak Asia (AFC) di Filipina, semalam.

Pengadil antarabangsa berusia 37 tahun itu berjaya mengatasi pemenang tahun lepas, Sachiko Yamagishi dari Jepun dan calon dari Thailand, Pannipar Kamnueng.

"Saya berasa amat gembira kerana tidak pernah terfikir bahawa saya akan memenangi anugerah ini. Sebenarnya, saya betul-betul terkejut dengan penghargaan ini," Rita dipetik sebagai berkata dalam laman web AFC, www.the-afc.com.

Anggota Jawatankuasa Eksekutif AFC, Sayyid Khalid Hamed Al Busaidi menyampaikan anugerah tersebut kepada Rita.

Rita juga berharap dapat mencapai impiannya untuk menjadi salah seorang pengadil untuk Kejohanan Piala Dunia Wanita FIFA 2015 di Kanada.

"Saya berharap anugerah seperti ini akan membawa saya lebih dekat untuk memenuhi impian itu," katanya.

Sebagai rekod, Rita terbabit dalam enam perlawanan iaitu tiga sebagai pengadil dan tiga sebagai pegawai keempat perlawanan pada Kejohanan Piala Asia Wanita AFC 2014 di Vietnam.

Pada kejohanan itu, Rita mengadili perlawanan separuh akhir antara Korea Selatan dan juara bertahan Australia.

Rita juga mengadili empat perlawanan dan bertindak sebagai pegawai keempat dalam dua perlawanan pada pusingan kelayakan Kejohanan Wanita Asia Bawah 16 Tahun 2015 tahun ini.

Selain itu, beliau juga menjadi pengadil dalam tiga perlawanan termasuk perlawanan penentuan tempat kesembilan pada Piala Algarve 2014 di Portugal, Mac lepas.

Tengku Abdullah Congratulates Soh Over AFC Hall Of Fame Induction

Sememangnya kebanggaan negara. Terima kasih Datuk. #SayaTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/tfcFsFNrcQ
— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) November 24, 2014

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has congratulated national football legend, Datuk Soh Chin Aun over his induction into the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Hall of Fame.

"Congrats, Dato Soh Chin Aun, Malaysia is proud of you," Tengku Abdullah, who is also Tengku Mahkota Pahang, tweeted.

Nicknamed 'Towkay' (Boss), Soh was renowned for being in the heart of the Malaysian team defence, alongside Datuk Santokh Singh during the country's golden era in the 70s and early 80s.

He was the youngest member of the Malaysian national team which played an Olympic qualifying match against the Korea Republic in 1971, besides appearing at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, and having captained Malaysia during the qualifiers for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Melaka-born Soh enjoyed a successful two-decade career as a footballer, continuing later to serve the game he loves the most in different capacities.

He represented Selangor FA at club level from 1970 to 1980 and moving to Melaka FA before announcing his retirement from football in 1985.

Beside Soh, the other inductees are Homayoun Behzadi (Iran), Yasuhiko Okudera (Japan), Sun Wen (China), Hong Myung-bo (South Korea), Ali Daei (Iran), Sami Al Jaber (Saudi Arabia), Baichung Bhutia (India) and Harry Kewell (Australia).

Homare Sawa who skippered 'Nadeshiko Japan' (Japanese women's football team) which lifted the Fifa Women's World Cup title on 2011 held in Germany, was also inducted into the AFC Hall of Fame.

AFC announced the full list of inductees on Friday.

Former national goalie Peter Rajah dies aged 63

KOTA KINABALU: Former national and Sabah goalkeeper Peter Rajah (pic) passed away at the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan early Friday after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday. He was 63.

Family members said they were making arrangements to have his body brought back to Penampang near here before announcing the funeral arrangements for the illustrious goalkeeper.
He leaves behind his wife Tracie Gom, two daughters and a son.

Rajah, who was often seen as the goalkeeper that helped the Malaysian team qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, played for the state between 1972 and 1995.

On Wednesday, Rajah, who was the manager of the Sandakan Sports Complex, was rushed to the hospital after complaining of chest pains.

He suffered a heart attack at the hospital and went into coma.

He died at 6.16am Friday.

Ex-national powerlifter Mariappan staring at bleak future

Former national paralympic powerlifter P. Mariappan is unemployed and receives a RM320 monthly subsidy from the welfare department to help make ends meet for his family of three school-going children and a disabled wife.

P. MARIAPPAN has dedicated almost 34 years of his life to powerlifting – and bringing glory to the country.

And the 56-year-old has seen many ups and downs in his life.
Life was good when he was a national powerlifter.

Afflicted with polio when he was three years old, Mariappan never let his physical disability stop him from working his way up to become a successful powerlifter.

The former world record holder competed in seven Paralympics – winning two bronze medals in Seoul (1988) and Barcelona (1992). He has also won a host of international titles.

He has made the nation proud by winning all over the world – bagging more than 70 medals – and given a hero’s welcome at the airport, gala receptions and awards in recognition of his feats.

Those were the good times as he was also showered with incentives and rewards for his success.
But the last couple of years have been mostly down.

The unemployed father of three school-going children is staring at a bleak future.

His life took a turn for the worst when he lost his permanent job with an American firm – Matheson PFC Group, which closed down 10 years ago. He was working as a mailroom assistant then and was paid RM16,000 as compensation for his 15 years’ service.

The National Sports Council (NSC) helped him out when he lost his job by offering him a full-time trainee scheme from 2007 to 2012.

But his services were then terminated and he now lives on a paltry RM320 monthly subsidy from the Welfare Department.

And all he has is a flat in Batu Caves, which he shares with disabled wife, B. Chandriga, who is also jobless and their three children – Tanuja, 17, Sreetharan, 15, and Thaarani, 9.

“I have no steady income to provide for my family. My children are still studying. I have to pay for their education, tuition, school bus, bills, daily home requirements and others,” said Mariappan, who is sad that the sacrifices of athletes like him seem to have been forgotten by the powers-that-be.

“I sometimes send them to school and tuition on my improvised three-wheel motorbike.
“How much longer can I go on without a fixed income?

“I have asked for help from various organisations and individuals on numerous occasions but none came forward.

“I feel like a shirt. It is nice when you first wear it. Then, when it is old and worn out ... and of no use, it is thrown away. It has no more value ... just like I am no longer of any use.”

All Mariappan is hoping for is some form of retirement benefits from the government.
“I’ve sacrificed everything for the country. But what is there for me now?” he asked.

His current financial difficulty has made him consider returning to competition.

“I’m still the top powerlifter in my weight category (below 80kg) in Malaysia today. I’m no quitter,” he said.
“I still train at a gymnasium near my house for free for three hours daily.

“I have not competed in any international events for the last two years. But I’m prepared to make a comeback if that is what it takes for me to help my family.”

But does he have to make a return - especially at this age?

Ex-national footballer Fook Yoong passes away

PETALING JAYA: Former Malaysian footballer Wong Fook Yoong has passed away due to an illness.

The 72-year-old Selangor winger died at the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) on Tuesday.

Former national striker N. Thanabalan said that Fook Yoong played for the national team in the 1968 Merdeka Tournament, which Malaysia won after defeating Burma 3-0.

Fook Yoong also played for TPCA in the Selangor Division One.

Bujang Taha Deserves Government's Recognition Say Two Sarawak Assistant Ministers

KUCHING, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The plight of Sarawak's legendary bodybuilder Bujang Taha who passed away on Sunday is expected to be discussed at the Sarawak state assembly soon.

After his death on Sunday that some individuals in the government shared his plights and the hardship faced by the state star athlete.

Youth Development Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman had both spoken about Bujang's plight, adding that they would bring it up to the state government to provide necessary assistance to Bujang's family.

The two-time Mr Asia, 77, passed away at 10.47pm on Sunday at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) due to acute asthma and complications from mouth and lung cancer.

The veteran muscleman was admitted to SGH medical ward about a week earlier for acute asthma attack, according to his daughter-in-law, Suzana Ibrahim.

Abdul Karim said the state cabinet will discuss the necessary assistance to be given to the family of the late Bujang whom he described as a great sportsman who brought glory to the state and country.

Meanwhile, Daud said he would discuss with Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem to consider giving a monthly allowance to the family of the late Bujang.

"His (Bujang) demise is a great loss to the state and the country and there was no bodybuilding athlete from Sarawak who is as great as him," added Daud.

He said Bujang during his life time had never asked anything from the government despite his great contribution to the sport, state and nation.

Fellow national bodybuilding great Datuk Malek Noor, a six-time Mr Asia title winner was among those who paid tribute to the late Bujang and urged the state or nation to accord some form of recognition for his contributions and sacrifice.

Malek, representing the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb), was among more than 100 people who paid their last respects to the bodybuilding great.

Bekas Jaguh Bina Badan Negara Bujang Taha Meninggal Dunia

KUCHING, 12 Okt (Bernama) -- Bekas jaguh bina badan negara Bujang Taha, 77, meninggal dunia pada pukul 10.47 malam ini di Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS) kerana komplikasi kanser mulut, kanser paru-paru serta asma.

Menurut menantu perempuan beliau, Suzana Ibrahim, Allahyarham yang mendapatkan rawatan di HUS sejak seminggu lalu akibat asma, meninggal di sisi anak dan cucunya.

"Esok, bekas jaguh bina badan Datuk Malek Noor sudah beritahu hendak datang tengok bapa, tapi apakan daya bapa pergi dulu," katanya kepada Bernama di HUS.

Pada kemuncak kariernya, Bujang memenangi gelaran Mr Asia sebanyak empat kali iaitu pada tahun 1980, 1982, 1983 dan 1986 selain memenangi dua pingat emas pada Sukan SEA di Kuala Lumpur pada 1977 dan di Jakarta pada 1979.

Beliau pernah bertanding Mr Universe di Belgium pada 1982.

Two-time Mr Asia Bujang Taha dies

Two-time Mr Asia and one of Sarawak's best known bodybuilders, Bujang Taha, died last night at the Sarawak general hospital, reportedly due to complications brought about by mouth cancer and infection to his lungs.

The 77-year-old Bujang, who won the Mr Asia titles back-to-back in the bantamweight category in 1980 and 1981 died at 10.47pm, according to his daughter in-law Suzana Ibrahim.

His body was brought back to his house in Kampung Tanjong, Petra Jaya, prior to burial this morning.

Bujang was admitted to hospital last week for asthma.

“The family accepts his passing,” Suzana said.

Bujang, however, died without fulfilling his wish to see his long-time friend, Datuk Malek Noor.

Malek was delayed as he reportedly could only fly to Kuching today.

It was supposed to have been a reunion of sorts for the two decorated bodybuilders whom Bernama had described “were like brothers”.

News of Bujang's illness and admission into hospital went viral in the social media.

It was through postings in Facebook that Malek, the six-time Mr Asia in the heavyweight category, got to know that Bujang was ill.

Bujang first represented Sarawak in the Mr Malaysia competition in 1975 where he won in the Master category.

That same year, he was picked for the last South East Asian Peninsula (SEAP) Games in Bangkok where he won gold.

In the renamed South East Asian (SEA) Games four years later, Bujang won silver and in the next two years, he was unbeatable as Mr Asia in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Asian Amateur Championships.

Bujang, however, failed to make it a hat-trick of wins when he only finished a runner-up in the 1982 competition.

In the waning days of his international career, he won the silver medal at the 1983 Asian Games and bronze in the 1987 SEA Games in Jakarta before capping it with a silver two years later in the same Games which was held in Kuala Lumpur.

Three years ago, Bujang lost almost all his medals, trophies and sporting memorabilia he had collected over the years when a fire razed his home. – October 13, 2014.

Bujang Taha Masuk Hospital Kerana Asma

KUCHING, 8 Okt (Bernama) -- Bekas jaguh bina badan negara Bujang Taha kini dirawat di Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS) kerana menghidap asma.

Beliau mendapat rawatan sudah hampir seminggu dan dinasihati doktor agar kurang bercakap.

"Saya sudah dapatkan rawatan di HUS hampir seminggu. Semalam doktor tebuk untuk keluarkan air di bahagian paru-paru saya. Nak tengok?," katanya berjenaka dan menambah sejak dirawat, anak serta cucunya bergilir-gilir menjaga beliau.

Bujang, 77, merasa teruja kerana keadaanya turut disebarkan menerusi laman Facebook yang turut mendapat respons seorang lagi bekas jaguh bina badan negara, Datuk Malek Noor serta bekas Pengerusi Eksekutif Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan (Yakeb) Datuk Paduka Mumtaz Jaafar yang juga bekas ratu pecut negara.

Bujang berkata Malik berjanji akan datang melawatnya.

Beliau berkata seorang lagi bekas atlet bina badan negara dari Sarawak iaitu Solomon Ismanto juga sedang dirawat di HUS.

Sempena perayaan Jubli Emas Kemerdekaan Sarawak baru-baru ini, Bujang diberi Pingat Terpuji Jubli Emas (P.T.E) bersama dua lagi bekas atlet negara kelahiran Sarawak iaitu Watson Nyambek (pelari pecut) dan Sapok Biki (tinju).

Pada kemuncak kariernya, Bujang memenangi gelaran Mr Asia sebanyak empat kali iaitu pada 1980, 1982, 1983 dan 1986 selain memenangi dua pingat emas pada Sukan SEA di Kuala Lumpur pada 1977 dan di Jakarta pada 1979.

Beliau pernah bertanding Mr Universe di Belgium pada 1982.

Bekas Ketua Skuad Kebangsaan Era 60-an Meninggal Dunia Akibat Sesak Nafas

IPOH, 17 Ogos (Bernama) -- Bekas ketua skuad kebangsaan era 60-an dan 70-an Abdullah Yeop Noordin meninggal dunia akibat sesak nafas ketika dalam perjalanan ke Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun di sini, awal pagi tadi.

Abdullah, yang berusia 74 tahun, meninggal dunia pada 2.05 pagi.

Allahyarham meninggalkan isteri Zoraida Kamaruzzaman, 71, serta lima anak iaitu Arnez, 49, Arneza, 48, Ariez, 47, Arieza, 43, dan Nor Azam, 38, serta 12 cucu dan empat cicit.

Arneza berkata jenazah bapanya dikebumikan pada 11.45 pagi tadi di Tanah Perkuburan Islam Kampung Tasek Bercham selepas disembahyangkan di Masjid Kampung Tersusun Bercham Tasek.

Menurutnya bapanya mengalami batuk teruk ketika sedang menonton televisyen di rumahnya di Taman Gerbang Bercham Selamat di sini pada 12.30 tengah malam.

"Bapa saya menghidap penyakit kencing manis dan darah tinggi, namun pemeriksaan baru-baru ini menunjukkan kedua-dua penyakitnya itu terkawal. Beliau hanya dirawat untuk batuknya baru-baru ini," katanya ketika dihubungi Bernama hari ini.

Beliau berkata bapanya, yang juga merupakan Pengajar Kokurikulum Bola Sepak di Universiti Teknologi Petronas sejak 15 tahun lepas, mengalami batuk teruk sejak dua hari lepas sehingga menyebabkannya sukar bernafas.

Allahyarham, yang dahulunya digelar 'harimau berantai' kerana corak permainannya yang hebat, pernah berkhidmat seabgai Pegawai Sukan di Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP) selepas menjadi jurulatih pasukan Perak selama setahun pada 1988.

Abdullah pernah sepasukan dengan allahyarham Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Minhat, allahyarham Datuk Muhammad Mokhtar Dahari dan mendiang R.Arumugam.

Koh Eng Tong “Iron Man of Malaya”

In 1950, the British Government in Malaya organised a team of four weightlifters to participate at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand for the first time under the Union Jack. This was the first time weightlifting was introduced at the Games, known then as the British Empire Games. Without any funding from sports organisations, the four weightlifters paid for their own expenses to participate at the Games.

Nobody expected Koh Eng Tong, one of Malaya’s pioneer and foremost professional photographers, to win the Featherweight category. Eng Tong won the very first Commonwealth Games gold for the country, lifting 310.5 kg (684.5 lbs). He was ranked one of the top ten Featherweight Lifters in the World the following year.

Eng Tong started practicing weightlifting at the age of 14 in his backyard. A weakling as a child, he one day decided that he had been bullied enough, and started building his body. His brother in law used to wield a cane to get Eng Tong to lift the iron weights. This strength of character and discipline took him far on his journey as a sportsman and businessman.

He took part in the Federation Weight Lifting Championship in 1941, clinching third place. In 1948, he made his international debut at the All China Olympic Meet, representing Malaya in Shanghai and won the Gold. That same year, Eng Tong was offered to compete at the world championships in Paris under the Singapore flag. Malaya at that time was not affiliated to the World Weight Lifting Federation. Tempting as the offer was, he declined because of the loyalty he felt for his country. 

Eng Tong was also part of the first Malayan contingent to make an appearance at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. Later that year he was crowned “Champion of Champions” at the National Weightlifting Championship. Two years later, he retired from active competition.

Koh Eng Tong passed away in 2006, leaving behind a golden legacy of discipline, loyalty and dedication that will serve as a benchmark for all present and future Malaysian athletes.

“One should never be mean or cruel if one wants to live happily” ~ Koh Eng Tong

1950 Weightlifting Team

Toh Fook Hung (Bantam weight - Gold), Koh Eng Tong (Feather weight - Gold), Thong Saw Oak (Light weight - Silver), Tan Kim Bee (Light heavyweight - Bronze)