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<h2>Earlier this month, national springboard divers Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg and Nur Dhabitah Sabri failed in their bid to qualify for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, dealing a major blow to Malaysian aquatics</h2>
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<p class="img-caption">Pandelela and Nur Dhabitah finished 12th out of 16 diving pairs in the competition.</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2024/02/1010595/pandelela-nur-dhabitah-fail-earn-ticket-2024-paris-olympics" rel="noopener">New Straits Times</a></small>
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<p>Prior to their <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2024/02/1010595/pandelela-nur-dhabitah-fail-earn-ticket-2024-paris-olympics">failure to finish</a> among the top four in the 10m platform synchronised diving event at the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 on 7 February, Pandelela, a two-time Olympic medallist, also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://olympics.com/en/news/world-aquatics-champs-doha-2024-pandelela-rinong-pamg-prelims-10m-exit">failed</a> in the women&#8217;s individual 10m platform in the competition on 4 February.</p>
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<h2>Following the setback in Doha, Pandelela reportedly claimed that &#8220;entities&#8221; disrupted the national diving squad&#8217;s performance</h2>
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<p>The renowned Malaysian diver&#8217;s remarks about &#8220;the presence of entities&#8221;, shared during a press conference on 12 February, have created confusion and invited questions from the Malaysia Swimming Federation (MAS) due to the unusual nature of the claims, which lack any specific explanation.</p>
<p><b>So, what really happened?</p>
<p></b>According to a <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.hmetro.com.my/arena/lain/2024/02/1060159/ada-entiti-ganggu-skuad-terjun">report</a> in Harian Metro on 12 February, Pandelela attributed some of the team&#8217;s struggles to &#8220;unsettling occurrences&#8221; beyond their control and bad luck. The report mentioned that she would be bringing this matter to the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, as it also affects both senior and junior divers.</p>
<p>&#8220;There are unsettling occurrences [&#8230;] the full story will be explained later. What I can say is that unexpected things happened, and luck was not on our side,&#8221; she said, adding, &#8220;Almost all of us [divers] were affected by this. It not only disturbed senior divers but also junior divers. It&#8217;s better if I discuss this matter internally.&#8221;</p>
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<h2>Pandelela&#8217;s vague remarks sparked speculation regarding whether the Sarawakian was referring to a human or something else.</p>
<p>However, MAS claimed it was unaware of the issue raised by Pandelela and stated that they would investigate.</h2>
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<p>Additionally, MAS secretary-general Andy Low <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2024/02/1012869/mas-puzzled-pandelelas-entity-claim">claimed</a> that Pandelela&#8217;s remarks were only an excuse to cover up her failure as no such issue had been brought to his attention during their earlier conversations.</p>
<p>He, however, added that they will meet with Pandelela to better understand what she is referring to.</p>
<p>Low&#8217;s statements caused further controversy, with Sarawak&#8217;s Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah taking issue. The minister called them &#8220;distasteful&#8221; and questioned the sincerity behind MAS&#8217; efforts in grooming Pandelela&#8217;s successors in the diving sport.</p>
<p>&#8220;I was disappointed when Low said Pandelela only &#8216;<i>makan gaji</i>&#8216; (take her salary). No doubt the athletes &#8216;<i>makan gaji</i>&#8216; but [&#8230;] there&#8217;s no need for officers like Low to belittle the athletes. Who is this Andy Low? Has he represented Malaysia? Has he been a sportsman?&#8221; the Borneo Post <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/02/14/what-have-you-done-for-malaysias-diving-scene-abd-karim-lambasts-mas-low/">quoted</a> Abdul Karim as saying.</p>
<p>&#8220;What have Andy Low and MAS been doing about the successors? If only Pandelela has been around since over 10 years ago, that means MAS has not been doing anything. What have you been doing for the last 10 years? How many years have you been the secretary? I want to ask MAS, especially Andy. What have you done in trying to groom the people to continue in the sport of diving?&#8221; the minister asked.</p>
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<p class="img-caption">MAS secretary-general Andy Low</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2270712" rel="noopener">Bernama</a></small>
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<h2>Amidst the brouhaha, Pandelela took to her Instagram on Wednesday to clarify that it wasn&#8217;t her who mentioned &#8220;entities&#8221;, but a journalist who had asked if there were &#8220;entities/unseen hands&#8221; at play</h2>
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<p>In a series of InstaStories posted on 14 February, Pandelela stated that she was taken aback by the journalist&#8217;s question about &#8220;entities&#8221;, to which she said that she replied with a &#8220;no&#8221;.</p>
<p>She expressed her disappointment, emphasising﻿ that she didn&#8217;t even make an excuse for the defeat.</p>
<p>&#8220;But when the journalist asked, I had to answer without giving a detailed explanation [&#8230;] I said something happened to the team that affected a lot of us seniors and juniors in recent years [&#8230;] But everyone is quick to jump on the issue without clarifying with me,&#8221; she wrote in her InstaStories, adding that even the suggestion to meet with Hannah Yeoh to discuss the issue was also from the media, and not her.</p>
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<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/pandelela/" rel="noopener">@pandelela (Instagram)</a></small>
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<h2>Since then, MAS has initiated an investigation into the issue</h2>
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<p><p>Low, the MAS secretary-general, said he met Pandelela yesterday morning, 15 February, to gather input from the diver but refused to disclose any details until investigations are over, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2270712">reported</a> Bernama.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Youth and Sports Minister met with Pandelela and Nur Dhabitah today, 16 February.</p>
<p>However, the minister did not share any details about the meeting with the diving duo.</p>
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"Entities" Prevented Pandelela From Qualifying For Paris Olympics? Here's What Happened

“Entities” Prevented Pandelela From Qualifying For Paris Olympics? Here’s What Happened

Indonesian Footballer Dies After Being Struck By Lightning During Game

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<h2>A fervent supporter of <em>Harimau Malaya</em> who sold his motorcycle to go watch the national team play in Doha, Qatar, has been gifted not one, but two new motorcycles</h2>
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<p><p>The superfan, Derrick Gan, gained widespread attention after photos and videos depicted him shedding tears of joy. This emotional moment unfolded as Malaysian footballer Arif Aiman Hanapi successfully converted a penalty, propelling Malaysia to a 2-1 lead against South Korea during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group E football match on 25 January.</p>
<p>The match ended in a 3-3 draw, a commendable result considering Malaysia&#8217;s FIFA ranking compared to South Korea, who are ranked 23rd in the world.</p>
<p>After the match, netizens identified him as the superfan who had shared on Facebook last month that he sold his bike for RM4,500 to fund his trip to Qatar.&nbsp;</p>
<p>According to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.bernama.com/en/sports/news.php?id=2265893">Bernama</a>, Gan made the difficult decision to part with his bike when he realised he was falling short, despite saving RM1,500 over the course of a year. </p>
<p>He said that the overall expenses for the Qatar trip, including the flight ticket, food, and accommodation, amounted to around RM6,000. Faced with insufficient savings, he decided to sell his motorcycle.</p>
<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s the only motorcycle in my life. I have a car but my wife uses it [for city driving] in Kuala Lumpur. But I didn&#8217;t mind selling the bike because I wanted to go to Qatar to cheer for <i>Harimau Malaya</i> in this historic football [match],&#8221; Bernama quoted Derrick as saying. </p>
<p>Netizens affectionally named Gan&nbsp;<i>Abang Rambut Perang</i> and declared him&nbsp;<i>Harimau Malaya</i>&#8216;s superfan.</p>
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<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nst.com.my/news/nst-viral/2024/01/1005908/nstviral-tears-doha-harimau-malaya-superfans-reaction-goes-viral" rel="noopener">New Straits Times</a></small>
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<h2>In recognition of his sacrifice and unwavering support, the superfan was rewarded with a new motorcycle from Modenas in collaboration with ERA, a local Malay-language radio station</h2>
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<p>Upon his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last Saturday, 27 January, Modenas chief executive officer﻿ Roslan Roskan, along with popular ERA host Radin Amir Affendy <a href="https://era.syok.my/interaktif/trending/era-dan-modenas-menjadi-piihak-pertama-hadiahkan-d?fbclid=IwAR1j0KGVeq__Djgiq12JUWpyYZ6GlxqeSYYXvcRWQYwEGZsWQBkqSC6c63k" title="Link: https://era.syok.my/interaktif/trending/era-dan-modenas-menjadi-piihak-pertama-hadiahkan-d?fbclid=IwAR1j0KGVeq__Djgiq12JUWpyYZ6GlxqeSYYXvcRWQYwEGZsWQBkqSC6c63k">presented </a>Gan with&nbsp;the motorcycle.</p>
<p>The local radio station also prepared another special gift for Gan by arranging a <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2my56IxKPQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" title="Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2my56IxKPQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">video call</a> with national goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi.</p>
<p>&#8220;Derrick, continue [your] support and be the 12th player for <i>Harimau Malaya</i>,&#8221; read the caption of the Facebook post showcasing photos of Gan receiving the motorcycle.</p>
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<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/era.je/posts/758006449708574" rel="noopener">Modenas (Facebook)</a></small>
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<h2>Gan also received a brand-new motorcycle from national footballer Faisal Halim, who scored Malaysia&#8217;s first goal against South Korea</h2>
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<p>In collaboration with his sponsor Blast Active, Faisal personally handed over a Yamaha LC135 motorcycle to Gan, reported <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/bola/2024/01/1205984/faisal-hadiah-derrick-motosikal-kedua">Berita Harian.</a></p>
<p>&#8220;As a Blast ambassador, this is the initial fund I received from Blast, and I bought this bike for you,&#8221; the Malay daily quoted Faisal as saying.</p>
<p>&#8220;I was deeply moved, filled with excitement, and somewhat touched to see you shedding tears during our match against [South] Korea that day. Therefore, in collaboration with Blast, we present you with this motorcycle. Consider this your bike,&#8221; he added.</p>
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<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/bola/2024/01/1205984/faisal-hadiah-derrick-motosikal-kedua" rel="noopener">Berita Harian</a></small>
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<h2>Read more about the match between Malaysia and South Korea here:</h2>
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<p>South Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann said two of Malaysia&#8217;s goals should not have been allowed.</p>
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<p>The Malaysian badminton legend also stated that he will not stop speaking his mind even if it turns him from a national hero to a public enemy.</p>
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<p>He said the players&#8217; Christmas vacations abroad prior to the tournament contributed to the team&#8217;s lacklustre performance.</p>
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<p>Other Malaysian badminton players also appeared in the Badminton World Federation&#8217;s 2023 prize money summary, including Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong, Chen Tang Jie, and Toh Ee Wei.</p>
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</article>


Harimau Malaya Fan Who Sold His Motorcycle To Attend Doha Game Gets 2 New Bikes As A Gift

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<h2>Former national shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei says the culture of celebrating mediocrity has led to the decline in Malaysian sports</h2>
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<p>The three-time Olympic silver medallist said that Malaysia should model itself like China, South Korea, or Japan in terms of how these countries manage their sports, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2024/01/1002443/chong-wei-ready-become-public-enemy-stop-rot">reported</a> the New Straits Times.</p>
<p>&#8220;If we run things like how they do in China, South Korea, or even Japan, we won&#8217;t be seeing this decline in our sports. Culturally, we have enabled this. We celebrate mediocrity,&#8221; Chong Wei was quoted as saying.</p>
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<h2>The former World No.1 was responding to those who criticised him for the dressing-down he gave to national shuttlers following their dismal performances at the recently concluded PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024</h2>
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<p><p>The 12-time Malaysia Open champion had <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://says.com/my/sports/lee-chong-wei-slams-badminton-players-for-going-on-holiday-before-the-2024-malaysia-open">questioned</a> the decision of several players to go on vacation during the Christmas period despite the tournament kicking off on 9 January.</p>
<p>&#8220;For the love of the game and the love of my country, I will continue speaking my mind and questioning the standard of Malaysian badminton,&#8221; he said while responding to his critics.</p>
<p>According to Chong Wei, while work-life balance is important, athletes have a short window to excel and must prioritise sacrifices and dedication over comfort and convenience.</p>
<p>&#8220;When I questioned our national players holidaying so close to the Malaysia Open, I didn&#8217;t say they shouldn&#8217;t go on holiday at all. I questioned their timing. Everyone can be an athlete, but to be the best, you have to make the tough choices and sacrifice,&#8221; the 41-year-old said, adding he will not stop speaking his mind even if it turns him from a national hero to a public enemy.﻿</p>
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<p>He said the players&#8217;  Christmas vacations abroad prior to the tournament contributed to the team&#8217;s lacklustre performance.</p>
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LCW Says Malaysian Sports In Decline Because "We Celebrate Mediocrity"

LCW Says Malaysian Sports In Decline Because “We Celebrate Mediocrity”

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<h2>Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei says the national players&#8217; subpar performance at the recent PETRONAS Malaysian Open 2024 is due to their insufficient preparation</h2>
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<p><p>According to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/raket/2024/01/1199824/chong-wei-belasah-pemain-bercuti-ke-luar-negara-menjelang-terbuka">Berita Harian</a>, Lee highlighted the fact that certain players had even taken Christmas vacations abroad prior to the tournament.</p>
<p>&#8220;I saw on social media that some players took vacations overseas despite knowing that the Malaysian Open was scheduled to begin on 9 January. I&#8217;m not saying that you can&#8217;t go on vacation, but you have to consider the timing,&#8221; he said.</p>
<p>&#8220;They go on holiday, and by the time they come back, there&#8217;s only a few days left until the tournament. As a former player, I know that you can&#8217;t jump into intensive training immediately after coming back from a vacation,&#8221; he added.</p>
<p>The former world number one also said it was important for players to make sacrifices to achieve success, adding that he used to only take one day off for Chinese New Year.﻿</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not attempting to boast about my abilities, but you can ask any coach I played under about my conduct. I knew that I had to make sacrifices to succeed,&#8221; he said.</p>
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<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2024/01/1000877/chong-wei-tears-players-who-holidayed-ahead-malaysian-open" rel="noopener">New Straits Times</a></small>
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<h2>Lee emphasised that, unlike Malaysian players, players from other countries demonstrated a commitment to training even during festive periods</h2>
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<p>&#8220;Players from China, South Korea, and Japan don&#8217;t take breaks during Christmas and the New Year; they stay focused on training,&#8221; he said. </p>
<p>He noted that this dedication contributed to the impressive performances of these players in tournaments.</p>
<p>&#8220;In this Malaysia Open, you can observe the strong performances of players from China, Korea, and Japan. Those who chose to go on vacation faced challenges,&#8221; he said.</p>
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<p class="img-caption">Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan during the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Hall of Fame ceremony last year.</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2023/05/26/lin-dan-lee-chong-wei-vow-to-promote-badminton" rel="noopener">BWF Badminton</a></small>
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<h2>Lee said while coaches could help prepare players for tournaments, the onus was on the players themselves</h2>
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<p>&#8220;Securing one championship in a year may be normal, but maintaining ongoing success is challenging. The pivotal factor lies in the players&#8217; determination and aspirations,&#8221; he said. </p>
<p>Reaching the rank of world number one, he added, required more than winning just one championship.</p>
<p>Players, he said, must consistently win seven or eight titles every year, progress to the semifinals, and compete in the finals. The only way to do this, he stressed, was by dedicating oneself to training and making sacrifices.</p>
<p>&#8220;This year holds significance due to the Olympics. Therefore, I hope players realise this and make a comeback,&#8221; he added.</p>
<p>Men&#8217;s doubles team Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were the only representatives from the national squad, who made it to the quarterfinals before losing to South Korean world champions Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae on 12 January.</p>
<p>Women&#8217;s pair Pearly Tan and M Thinaah, as well as the mixed doubles team, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, were eliminated in the first and second rounds, respectively.</p>
<p>In the men&#8217;s singles category, Ng Tze Yong was forced to withdraw from his first-round match against Japan&#8217;s Koki Watanabe due to a lower back muscle injury.</p>
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<h6><a href="https://says.com/my/sports/bwf-aaron-wooi-yik-million-prize-money-2023" class="ga-curator-related">BWF Reveals Aaron-Wooi Yik Won RM1.22 Million In Prize Money In 2023</a></h6>
<p>Other Malaysian badminton players also appeared in the Badminton World Federation&#8217;s 2023 prize money summary, including Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong, Chen Tang Jie, and Toh Ee Wei.</p>
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<p>&#8220;Letting go of my MPPJ FC medals from 2001 to 2004. I want to cover the salary I didn&#8217;t receive for four months,&#8221; he said.</p>
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<p>Jim Ratcliffe purchased a 25% stake in the football club for about US$1.3 billion.</p>
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</article>


Lee Chong Wei Criticises M'sian Players For Holidaying Before 2024 Malaysia Open

Lee Chong Wei Criticises M’sian Players For Holidaying Before 2024 Malaysia Open

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<h2></h2>
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<p><i>Follow us on <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/saysdotcom/">Instagram</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@saysdotcom">TikTok</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VZzynzi6RGJG0QbRfy3O">WhatsApp</a>&nbsp;for the latest stories and breaking news.</i></p>
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<h2>National badminton doubles players Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik jointly earned USD264,022 (RM1.22 million) in international tournaments last year</h2>
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<p><p>The <b>Badminton World Federation (BWF)</b> recently released its <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2024/01/01/axelsen-tops-prize-money-list" title="Link: https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2024/01/01/axelsen-tops-prize-money-list">individual prize money summary for the year of 2023</a><b></b>, revealing that <b>the two are Malaysia&#8217;s top earning badminton players of the season.</b></p>
<p>According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2024/01/997351/aaron-wooi-yik-rake-rm122m">New Straits Times</a>, they participated in 20 tournaments last year, with majority of the earnings coming from their performance at the 2023 China Open, where they emerged as runners-up, and winning the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://says.com/my/sports/aaron-wooi-yik-win-their-first-world-tour-title" title="Link: https://says.com/my/sports/aaron-wooi-yik-win-their-first-world-tour-title">men&#8217;s doubles title</a> at the 2023 Denmark Open.</p>
<p>The prize money earnings are a noteworthy sum, as it is reported that national players also receive monthly allowances, performance-related bonuses, and individual sponsorships.</p>
<p><b>Aaron-Wooi Yik are the world&#8217;s number four men&#8217;s doubles pair</b>,<b></b> according to BWF rankings.</p>
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                      <img decoding="async" class="source-img-1204704" alt="National shuttlers Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik after clinching the men's doubles title at the 2023 Denmark Open." src="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204704/766f.jpeg"> </a>
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<p class="img-caption">National shuttlers Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik after clinching the men&#8217;s doubles title at the 2023 Denmark Open.</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AaronChia24/status/1716218875270795661" rel="noopener">@AaronChia24 (X)</a></small>
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<h2>Other Malaysian badminton players also appeared in BWF&#8217;s 2023 prize money summary, including Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong, Chen Tang Jie, and Toh Ee Wei</h2>
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<p><p><b>Lee amassed USD109,805 (RM510,000) over 19 appearances</b>, with most of the earnings coming from <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://says.com/my/sports/lee-zii-jia-wins-arctic-open-title-ends-his-17-month-drought">his title win</a> at the 2023 Artic Open.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ng, who made headlines for <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://says.com/my/sports/malaysia-s-ng-tze-yong-defeats-viktor-axelsen-all-england">toppling world number one</a> Viktor Axelsen at the All England quarter-finals earlier last year, <b>won a total of USD73,530 (RM341,000)</b>, with the majority earned by finishing second to Lee at the Artic Open.</p>
<p>Mixed doubles pair <b>Tang Jie-Ee Wei pocketed a combined total of USD135,096 (RM626,000)</b> from their <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://says.com/my/sports/malaysian-chen-tang-jie-toh-ee-wei-wins-orleans-masters-bandminton-title">two title wins</a> at the Taiwan Open and the Orleans Masters, as well as their semifinalist spot at the China Open.</p>
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                    <a href="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204716/c75e.jpg" target="" class="imgwrap colorbox-image cboxElement" title="Lee Zii Jia." rel="segment-810 noopener"><br />
                      <img decoding="async" class="source-img-1204716" alt="Lee Zii Jia." src="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204716/c75e.jpg"> </a>
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<p class="img-caption">Lee Zii Jia.</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2023/10/963354/zii-jia-goes-down-fighting-prannoy-hangzhou" rel="noopener">Asyraf Hamzah/New Straits Times</a></small>
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                    <a href="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204717/2d91.jpg" target="" class="imgwrap colorbox-image cboxElement" title="Ng Tze Yong." rel="segment-810 noopener"><br />
                      <img decoding="async" class="source-img-1204717" alt="Ng Tze Yong." src="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204717/2d91.jpg"> </a>
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<p class="img-caption">Ng Tze Yong.</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2023/03/889989/tze-yong-upsets-world-no-1-axelsen-reach-all-england-q-finals" rel="noopener">Reuters/New Straits Times</a></small>
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                    <a href="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204718/cd21.jpg" target="" class="imgwrap colorbox-image cboxElement" title="Toh Ee Wei (left) and Chen Tang Jie." rel="segment-810 noopener"><br />
                      <img decoding="async" class="source-img-1204718" alt="Toh Ee Wei (left) and Chen Tang Jie." src="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204718/cd21.jpg"> </a>
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<p class="img-caption">Toh Ee Wei (left) and Chen Tang Jie.</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2023/04/901904/ee-wei-tang-jie-relish-bigger-challenges-ahead" rel="noopener">New Straits Times</a></small>
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<h2>World number one Axelsen from Denmark was the highest prize money earner of the season, with USD645,095 (RM2.99 million)</h2>
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<p><p>He won six BWF World Tour men&#8217;s singles events in 2023.</p>
<p>South Korea&#8217;s women&#8217;s singles powerhouse An Se Young was second on the list, finishing with USD628,020 (RM2.92 million) in earnings after winning eight BWF World Tour﻿&nbsp;titles in the year.</p>
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<h2>Read more <a href="https://says.com/my/stories/tagged/sports" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#sports</a> stories on SAYS:</h2>
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<p>&#8220;Letting go of my MPPJ FC medals from 2001 to 2004. I want to cover the salary I didn&#8217;t receive for four months,&#8221; he said.</p>
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<p>Haikal Nazri and Choong Hon Jian won the Guwahati Masters 2023 men&#8217;s doubles title in India on Sunday, 10 December.</p>
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<h6><a href="https://says.com/my/sports/m-sian-fan-apologises-to-ng-tze-yong-after-chanting-are-you-sleeping-at-french-open" class="ga-curator-related">M&#8217;sian Fan Apologises To Ng Tze Yong After Chanting &#8220;Are You Sleeping&#8221; At French Open</a></h6>
<p>The Malaysian men&#8217;s singles player hopes that the fan won&#8217;t repeat his behaviour.</p>
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BWF Reveals Aaron-Wooi Yik Won RM1.22 Million In Prize Money In 2023

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<p><i>Follow us on <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://instagram.com/saysdotcom">Instagram</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://tiktok.com/@saysdotcom">TikTok</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VZzynzi6RGJG0QbRfy3O">WhatsApp</a>&nbsp;for the latest stories and breaking news.</i></p>
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<h2>Having won more than 10 championship titles during his eight years as a professional football player, Jamsari Sabian is selling the medals he won during his glory days due to financial struggles</h2>
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<p><p>In a <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/jamsarisabianuitm/posts/pfbid06dvsFzgXSZkheHve58rifNnRSvQa2jacrG8YWoYqVU8quLaDih6FqXaRQpqSKa4Fl">Facebook post</a> on Sunday, 31 December, the former Petaling Jaya Municipal Council Football Club (MPPJ FC) goalkeeper said he hopes to sell the medals he had helped win during MPPJ FC&#8217;s golden era.</p>
<p>&#8220;Letting go of my MPPJ FC medals from 2001 to 2004.<b> I want to cover the salary I didn&#8217;t receive for four months, so I have to let these medals go,&#8221;</b> he wrote.</p>
<p>MPPJ FC won the Malaysia Cup in 2003, as well as the Malaysia Premier League and the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup, also known as Piala Sumbangsih, in 2004.</p>
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<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=6901035989932408&#038;set=p.6901035989932408&#038;type=3" rel="noopener">Jamsari Sabian (Facebook)</a></small>
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<h2>Now a goalkeeping coach for Kelantan United FC, Jamsari said he intends to sell the medals for RM30,000 as the football club&#8217;s management has not paid his salary on time</h2>
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<p><p><b>&#8220;I indeed want to sell the medals for RM30,000 mainly because of financial reasons. I haven&#8217;t received a salary for five months,&#8221;</b> he told <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/642147/berita/sukan/tak-dapat-gaji-jamsari-mahu-lelong-pingat">Sinar Harian</a> in an interview today, 3 January, after his Facebook post gained attention online.</p>
<p><b></b>&#8220;However, I am grateful that Kelantan United has paid for August and September yesterday. <b></b>The remaining months are October, November, and December,&#8221; he continued.</p>
<p>The former athlete added that the Kelantan United FC management has promised to settle his remaining late payments by the end of January.</p>
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                      <img decoding="async" class="source-img-1204038" alt="Jamsari Sabian now works as a goalkeeping coach." src="https://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/1204038/9589.jpg"> </a>
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<p class="img-caption">Jamsari Sabian now works as a goalkeeping coach.</p>
<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://selangorkini.my/2022/05/jamsari-keluar-gua%CA%BC-asah-bakat-baharu-penjaga-gol/" rel="noopener">Selangorkini</a></small>
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<h2>Jamsari, who retired professionally in 2008, said he is still determined to sell the medals for additional cash</h2>
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<p><p>&#8220;If anyone is interested, they can contact me,&#8221; he told Sinar Harian.</p>
<p>According to the Malay daily, <b>Jamsari previously sold another collection of medals he had won </b><b>during his time with Selangor FC</b><b></b>, which were the <b></b>Malaysia Premier League, Malaysia Cup, and Malaysia FA Cup medals he won in 2005.</p>
<p>The former player admitted to feeling somewhat saddened by the outstanding salary situation that continues to affect Malaysian football players and competitions.</p>
<p>&#8220;I actually don&#8217;t want to make a fuss about matters like this because I retired due to issues like these. But when I returned to [coach] football, these issues are still prevalent.</p>
<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not good for our football industry,&#8221; he said.</p>
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<p>                <small class="img-credit">Image via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4255812167788150&#038;set=a.151820721520669" rel="noopener">Jamsari Sabian (Facebook)</a></small>
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<h2>Here are stories of other former national athletes who have struggled to make ends meet after retirement:</h2>
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<p>The former six-time national squash champion has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a potentially disabling disease of the brain and central nervous system.</p>
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<p>Koh Lee Peng is one of the finest Paralympic athletes the country has seen, yet the former para swimmer from Penang has been left to fend for herself on the streets.</p>
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Former M'sian Footballer Is Selling Medals For RM30,000 Due To Financial Struggles