Malaysia ready for pro football at SAFF women’s international tournament in Taif 

Malaysian women’s national football team players train at Sime Darby F.C. Training Field in Selangor, Malaysia, on Sept. 11, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Malaysian women’s national football team players train at Sime Darby F.C. Training Field in Selangor, Malaysia, on Sept. 11, 2023. (AN Photo)
Malaysian women’s national football team players train at Sime Darby F.C. Training Field in Selangor, Malaysia, on Sept. 11, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Malaysian women’s national football team players train at Sime Darby F.C. Training Field in Selangor, Malaysia, on Sept. 11, 2023. (AN Photo)
Malaysian women’s national football team players train at Sime Darby F.C. Training Field in Selangor, Malaysia, on Sept. 11, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Malaysian women’s national football team players train at Sime Darby F.C. Training Field in Selangor, Malaysia, on Sept. 11, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Updated 15 September 2023
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Malaysia ready for pro football at SAFF women’s international tournament in Taif 

Malaysia ready for pro football at SAFF women’s international tournament in Taif 
  • The six-nation tournament also features Pakistan, Laos, Lebanon, and Bhutan
  • Saudi Arabian Football Federation women’s friendly scheduled for Sept. 18-30 

KUALA LUMPUR: Training is in full swing for the Malaysian women’s national football team ahead of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s tournament in Taif, players told Arab News, as they saw the competition as a major chance for international exposure. 

The Women’s International Friendly Tournament is part of Saudi Arabia’s plans to develop a quality national side and promote the game in the Kingdom. 

The competition’s first edition took place in Alkhobar in January. The second edition will take place in Taif on Sept. 18-30, featuring also Pakistan, Laos, Lebanon, and Bhutan.

The Malaysian team, Malayan Tigress, are being prepared by Jordanian football professional Soleen Al-Zoubi, who became their head coach in December last year. 

“I want the players to play beautiful football, play our style, and dominate the field. This is what I am looking for, to be honest, (for them) to perform well and to gain more experience, and to see the true level of our team against almost same-level teams,” Al-Zoubi told Arab News after the team started their official training sessions earlier this week. 

The SAFF tournament was for her an important opportunity for the team. 

The Malaysian women’s football team played their first international game at the Asian Women’s Football Championship in 1975, and their performance would fluctuate over the decades. Currently, they stand 89th in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking. 

“These kinds of matches and tournaments not only prepare the players for the game, but also on a professional level — how to deal with the press, how to deal with the opponents and the fans under pressure, how to play in a big stadium, and how (to) play in a high-performance environment,” the coach said. 

“(There are) lots of benefits we can gain from the tournament.” 

While women’s football is relatively new in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is taking giant strides in promoting the game. 

The Saudi women’s team, the Green Falcons, played their first international against Seychelles in 2022, winning 2-0. In August 2021, former Germany international Monika Staab was appointed as their coach and the first women’s league was introduced in early 2020. 

For Al-Zoubi, Saudi efforts for women’s football are important not only for the region but also beyond. 

“I think they (Saudi Arabia) are doing well in women’s football. They are growing rapidly. I’m happy for them … I think they will be an inspiration for women’s football in the region, which would affect positively women’s football in general,” she said. 

“I am happy that they also invited the Malaysian team to take part in this special tournament.” 

Malaysian players, too, were enthusiastic. 

One of them, Jaciah Jumilis, told Arab News that participating in the upcoming tournament in Taif would help the team gain more confidence. 

“The tournament is important for us since this team consists of quite young players. There are players aged 18, 17 and 16, and this is a very good opportunity for them to ensure that the team will be more confident to play in more matches in the future,” she said. 

“I really hope we can do our best in Saudi Arabia.” 

Another player, Azzlyeanieh Kinuli, was already looking forward to the competition. 

“I will do my best to ensure that I go all out with the team and come back with glory this time,” she said. 


Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’

Updated 9 sec ago
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Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’

Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’
LONDON: Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for an “extended period” after aggravating a foot injury he suffered last season.
Martinez was sidelined for around two months when he sustained a fractured metatarsal in United’s Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla in April.
The Argentina center-back is now likely to be out of action for a similar period after United confirmed the foot problem is still an issue.
“Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April,” a statement said.
“The Argentinian defender experienced the setback in our Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month.
“Martinez bravely continued playing for the following two games against Brighton and Bayern Munich.
“But it has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. Assessment is ongoing to decide next steps.”
Adding to United boss Erik ten Hag’s problems, the club also confirmed that defender Sergio Reguilon will miss the game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday with a “minor injury.”

Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach

Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach
Updated 35 min 15 sec ago
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Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach

Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach
  • Dallas Mavericks take on Minnesota Timberwolves in two games as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd says his team will look to build “championship habits” when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in two preseason games as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ.

The matchups are scheduled for Oct. 5 and 7 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island and mark the second consecutive year the NBA, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, is hosting preseason games in the UAE capital.

“In both games, we will bring our competitive spirit to the court,” said Kidd, a 10-time NBA All-Star. “It’s all about improvement and developing championship habits. Our visit to Abu Dhabi provides a unique opportunity to cultivate those championship habits, and we are fully committed to doing just that.”

Reflecting on the previous season’s disappointing conclusion, which saw the Mavericks finish with a losing record for the first time since 2018-19, Kidd added: “We didn’t finish the previous season as we had hoped, but with a fresh start ahead, including a training camp and a full season, we anticipate stronger team chemistry, also between Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Our primary focus is to build a championship-caliber team, and that requires adhering to the championship ethos while assembling the right pieces around Kyrie and Luka. The ultimate goal is to win the championship.”

The NBA’s partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi aims to promote basketball in the Middle East and foster local talent. Kidd, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist, is aware of the sport and its standing outside the US.

“When it comes to basketball, the NBA has made significant investments in the game’s development,” Kidd said. “I firmly believe that, given time and resources, we will see players from the Middle East make it to the NBA. This transformation won’t happen overnight, but I envision a future where every country in the world produces an NBA player.”

In addition to the games themselves, the Abu Dhabi experience offers players and teams an opportunity to explore what the UAE capital has to offer.

“We are excited to visit Abu Dhabi and discover a different part of the world,” said Kidd. “Basketball not only unites us on the court, but also opens doors to experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and languages. This presents a fantastic opportunity for those who have not yet explored the Middle East to embrace these enriching aspects.”

Tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ can be purchased at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae.


Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 

Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 
Updated 45 min 47 sec ago
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Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 

Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 
  • Saudi Arabia will play Indonesia in Dammam on Oct. 11 
  • Indonesia head coach says Saudi futsal league can become ‘best in the world’ 

JAKARTA: Indonesia is preparing to face Saudi Arabia in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, the national team’s head coach said on Friday, as the team arrived in the Kingdom for the competition starting next week. 

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup is the biennial international futsal championship organized by the Asian Football Confederation for the men’s national teams of Asia. Its 17th edition is going to be held in Thailand in April next year. 

Sixteen teams are competing in the tournament and the top four will qualify for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. 

Indonesia is in Group B, together with the hosts and the national teams of Afghanistan and Macau. All Group B matches will be held at Green Hall Sports City in Dammam from Oct. 7 to Oct. 11. 

Marcos Sorato, the Indonesian team’s Brazilian head coach, said they had been training very hard ahead of the competition. 

“We are very happy to be here, and we will do our best for Indonesian futsal,” Sorato told Arab News over the phone from Dammam. “We are representing Indonesia’s futsal, the players, staff and fans.” 

Indonesia will play Macau on Oct. 7 and Afghanistan on Oct. 9. They will face Saudi Arabia on the last day of the competition. 

Sorato expected Saudi Arabia to be Indonesia’s toughest opponent, as the team have been doing “a great job” under their Spanish head coach Andreu Plaza. 

“They are doing great,” he said. “They are the strongest national team in our group.” 

He sees a bright future not only for the Kingdom’s side but also for the whole league. 

“Saudi Arabia’s futsal league can be the best in the world if there is investment and support,” he said. 

“The league is very good today, (with) 20 clubs. I’m sure it will be a great league in the next years.” 

Sorato was appointed the head coach of the Indonesian National Futsal Team in August. 

Previously serving as an assistant and head coach of Brazil, he steered his team to victory in the Futsal World Cup in 2008 and 2012. 


Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC

Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC
Updated 29 September 2023
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Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC

Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC
  • The sports competitions at the Olympics are organized and overseen by the individual international sports federations
  • There are 32 sports on the program of the Paris Games

BERLIN: Athletes can wear a hijab in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games athletes’ village without any restriction, the International Olympic Committee said on Friday, days after France’s sports minister banned it for the host country’s athletes.
The Olympic body also said it needed to better understand the situation in France and had been in contact with the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF).
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said on Sunday French athletes would be barred from wearing a hijab during the Paris Games to respect principles of secularism.
“For the Olympic Village, the IOC rules apply,” an IOC spokesperson said. “There are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire.”
The vast majority of the approximately 10,000 athletes at Olympic Games reside in apartments in the Olympic village and share common spaces, including dining halls and recreational areas.
“When it comes to competitions, the regulations set by the relevant International Federation (IF) apply,” the IOC spokesperson said.
The sports competitions at the Olympics are organized and overseen by the individual international sports federations.
There are 32 sports on the program of the Paris Games.
“Since this French regulation relates to the members of the French team only, we are in contact with the CNOSF to further understand the situation regarding the French athletes,” the spokesperson said.
Home to one of Europe’s largest Muslim minorities, France has implemented laws designed to protect its strict form of secularism, known as “laicité,” which President Emmanuel Macron has said is under threat from Islamism.
Some Muslim associations and human rights groups allege those laws have targeted Muslims, chipped away at democratic protections and left them vulnerable to abuse.
The French decision to bar its athletes from wearing a hijab was criticized by the United Nations human rights office this week.
Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year.


Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah  

Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah   
Bryson DeChambeau is targeting LIV Golf success in Jeddah. (LIV Golf)
Updated 29 September 2023
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Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah  

Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah   
  • US star playing the most consistent golf of his life with ‘momentum like a train’ following another win in Chicago
  • Individual Champion, Team Championship Seeds, and securing 2024 League Spots all on the line at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club Oct. 13-15

JEDDAH: In-form Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau is relishing a chance to capture another title at the upcoming regular-season finale at LIV Golf Jeddah presented by ROSHN.

The big-hitting superstar and 2020 US Open winner is aiming to become the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion in Saudi Arabia — and heads to the Middle East full of confidence following a late surge that saw victory in LIV Golf Chicago in the last event.

DeChambeau is on a run of hot form this summer — the highlight including becoming the fourth player on a top-level tour to shoot 58, to capture his first LIV Golf title at Greenbrier in August.

“Anytime you can get in the winner’s circle is pretty special and makes all the hard work worth it for sure,” said DeChambeau.

“I would probably say I’m playing the most consistent good golf of my life. When I shot 58 earlier this year that was probably the best golf I’ve ever played and along when I won the US Open. It’s fair to say this little stretch has been pretty sweet for me. Let’s hope it continues in Jeddah and beyond.

“It’s a cliche but I just kept trying to hit as many fairways as I could and hit the irons close and make some putts. When I’m on a roll like that, I get serious momentum like a train and it’s hard to stop. You just have to take advantage of moments when you’re in the zone like that as it doesn’t happen often,” he added.

Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith and RangeGoats GC star Talor Gooch are the only other golfers with a mathematical chance of claiming the title, which will be decided in Jeddah at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

Australian star Smith tops the Individual standings with 170 points, while Gooch is at 162 points and DeChambeau at 146 points following his victory Sunday at LIV Golf Chicago.

Added DeChambeau: “Both Cam and Talor are world-class players — they’ve been on fire throughout this LIV Golf season with multiple wins and some unbelievable rounds. But I’ll keep pushing and put some pressure on them in Jeddah where the individual title will be won or lost.

“I’ve played at Royal Greens in Jeddah a few times now. I know the course pretty well — definitely holes that are gettable. But it gets really windy and tricky, which makes it a really solid test. There’s some beautiful holes right by the Red Sea — 16, 17, 18 are great closing holes and can bring plenty of drama. This is the business end of our season and you’ve got to make a bunch of putts and go low to keep competing,” said DeChambeau.

“I’m a few points behind so will need things to go my way. Me and my team will go hard — excited to see what we can make happen.”

The Jeddah tournament is the final opportunity to secure points in the individual standings for all 48 players. Those who finish in the top 24 in the overall standings will lock-in their position in the LIV Golf League for the next season.

Players finishing in the “Open Zone” —  positions 25 to 44 — however, may face trade or release by their respective teams. Meanwhile, those finishing in positions 45 and below sitting in the “Drop Zone” will be relegated and will automatically qualify for the league’s promotional tournament, where they will have the opportunity to earn their spot back for the 2024 season.