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Tag: athletes

  • Malaysian Paralympic Athletes Hit By Pickup Truck During Training

    Malaysian Paralympic Athletes Hit By Pickup Truck During Training

    Police are working to track down the driver of a pickup truck suspected to be involved in a hit-and-run accident at the Latar Highway this morning. The truck is believed to have ploughed into members of the Malaysian para cycling team, who were training for the upcoming Asean Para Games. Kuala Selangor district police chief Superintendent Ruslan Abdullah said investigators have been dispatched to scrutinise CCTV recordings at surrounding areas and nearby toll plazas to track down the driver of the black Toyota Hilux, who fled the scene in the 10.45am incident.

    He said initial investigation showed that the accident at KM12.6 of the Latar Highway (eastbound), which left four cyclists and a coach injured, happened near the exit to Bandar Tasik Puteri there. “The athletes were riding in the middle lane upon approaching the Bandar Tasik Puteri exit, as they were heading towards Rawang from Ijok. Investigation revealed that the accident was caused when the Hilux driver was changing lanes to enter the exit. The collision caused four National Sports Council athletes and an official, who was escorting them on a motorcycle, to sustain serious injuries. The victims were sent to the Sungai Buloh Hospital by ambulance,” he said in a statement. Ruslan said the victims, according to initial report received, were identified as Khairul Nizam, Nursyafik, Khairul Azwan, Mohd Ridzuan, and Johari Mohd Nayan.

  • Team Singapore Athletes Power Through Training While Fasting In Ramadan

    Team Singapore Athletes Power Through Training While Fasting In Ramadan

    The second a text message came from her family members to inform her it is time to break fast, silat exponent Nurul Shafiqah tucked into her cup of mango yoghurt.

    For the past few weeks, the 23-year-old two-time world championship bronze medallist has been training for about an hour and a half on a near-empty stomach in the late afternoon, before pressing on with another high-intensity session for two hours in the evening at OCBC Arena.

    In between, she has an hour’s rest to recharge and digest her food.

    With the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur fast approaching, most of Singapore’s national athletes are already shifting into high gear as they aim to peak in time for the regional multi-sport event in mid-August.

    For Muslim athletes, observing the fasting month of Ramadan is not an excuse to slow down. “Training is as per normal regardless of the fasting month, as we still train two times a day five times a week, with our break only over the weekends,” said Nurul Shafiqah, a Nanyang Technological University undergraduate.

    Still, it makes training all the more gruelling, she admitted. “There is definitely more (hunger). We do have a pre-dawn meal, so it isn’t that bad, but at times, I do feel like I have no energy,” said Nurul Shafiqah. “Despite that I keep on pushing and my coach too, pushes me to the limit regardless.

    “My aim for this SEA Games is to at least win a medal. It’d be nice to stand on the podium to win something for Singapore.”

    While sparring on an empty stomach represents a challenge on its own, grappling the urge to stuff herself with food when breaking fast is another battle altogether. “Even though (the training) intensity is high, I try to avoid eating heavy,” said the sports science student.

    “I usually go for things like banana bread and yoghurt and nothing too heavy as I’m scared to train on a full stomach. I usually go for an easy meal.”

    To forget about her growling stomach, Nurul Shafiqah distracts herself by committing her mind to her silat training. “There’s always the (training) processes to focus on, so in a way it’s a distraction from the hunger and thirst,” she said.

    TURNING “NOCTURNAL”

    For national track cyclist Mohamed Elyas, the intense cardiovascular effort needed in his sport means that his training is best held after breaking fast. For close to a month now, the 21-year-old begins training at 9pm and returns home by 1am.

    Said Elyas: “For me, for the entire fasting month, I’d train during the night for about two or three hours after breaking fast. I eat a regular meal at the stipulated time by sunset, and sometimes I go to the mosque first.”

    “But when I’m going to do a big set, a little more time is needed, so I come out earlier and go out for training first. If not, I’d finish my prayers first and then come out for training for an hour or two at Seletar Road,” said the 2016 Singapore National Road Racing Champion.

    Instead of training in the day as he does usually, Elyas has had to make adjustments to his body clock during Ramadan. “I don’t really change my training programme that much because I simply train at night. I have my meals and am able to drink through training,” said the national rider.

    “I’m still able to maintain my intensity and volume through the month, so I’m not so worried about losing my form or not peaking during the Games,” he added.

    Much like Shafiqah, the track cyclist’s main battle lies in the mental challenge of staving off the added exhaustion from fasting. But the 21-year-old, said he gets an added boost, spiritually.

    “In my case, I draw strength by asking help from God because when fasting you’re fulfilling your religious obligations,” added Elyas. “I believe that God will help us if we keep our faith, and that’s how I get through my training while fasting.”

    PROPER NOURISHMENT IS KEY: SSI

    Singapore Sports Institute (SSI) dietician Cheryl Teo recommends several options for both athletes to sustain themselves during Ramadan. “Depending on their training programmes, some athletes might train just before breaking fast. In this case, Iftar will double up as a post-training recovery meal, best eaten within half an hour of training for maximum recovery benefit.”

    “If it is not possible to have a meal within half an hour of training, dates and milk would also make an excellent recovery snack – dates because it is a rapid digesting carbohydrate; milk because it has the full recovery package of protein, fluid, electrolytes, and carbohydrates,” said Ms Teo.

    As athletes generally sweat more during training, Ms Teo also emphasised the importance of proper hydration for athletes who fast during training. “Shafiqah’s training programme requires her to train again after Iftar. During this time she will need to maintain her hydration and energy.”

    Ms Teo added: “Useful options to have during training include coconut water, diluted fruit juice with added salt, or non-gassy sports drinks.”

    “To recover after training … a smoothie made with nutrient-dense foods such as nut butters, avocado, Greek yoghurt, milk, and banana would help her meet her energy intake for the day, and fulfil her post training nutrient requirements.”

    Nanyang Polytechnic’s Sport and Wellness Management lecturer Damien Lee however, cautioned against overexertion for fasting athletes. “In general, our human body still allows us to go on with some physical activities while hungry, but maybe not at the optimum intensity,” said Lee.

    “(Athletes) have to be mindful and be aware of some of the risk and perhaps take it a bit easier or else their muscles may not be able to perform at their optimum.”

     

    Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

  • 20 Athletes You Wish You Could See More Of

    20 Athletes You Wish You Could See More Of

    So many athletes have set this SEA Games alight with their performances.

    But as the Games comes to an end, we look at 20 we wish could just stay on a little longer – after all, they are so easy on the eyes.

    Male athletes

    1. Irfan Fandi, Singapore, 17 (Football)

    Singapore footballer Irfan Fandi.   — ST PHOTOS: KUA CHEE SIONG/CHONG JUN LIANG

    The eldest son of Singapore legend Fandi Ahmad appears to have inherited the best of both worlds – his famous father’s footballing talent, and his mother’s (former model Wendy Jacobs) good looks.

    With his strapping 1.87m frame and smouldering stare, small wonder then that the Young Lions striker already has a rabid following of young female fans on social media.

    2. Tyler Christian Ruiz, Philippines, 23 (High jump)

    Filipino high jumper Tyler Christian Ruiz.  — ST PHOTOS: CHONG JUN LIANG

    This Filipino-American dreamboat doesn’t just excel in sport – he’s pretty nifty on the piano and guitar too.

    Finished fifth in the men’s high jump with a 2.08m effort, well short of his personal best of 2.13m.

    3. Kenny Bun, Cambodia, 25 (Tennis)

    Cambodian tennis player Kenny Bun. — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/TENNIS FEDERATION OF CAMBODIA WEBSITE 

    Born in France, the tanned and wiry Bun is coolness personified on the tennis court. Won a bronze in the men’s singles.

    4. Brandon Ooi, Singapore, 20 (Canoeing)

    Singapore canoeist Brandon Ooi.  — ST PHOTOS: DANIEL NEO/KEVIN LIM

    A ripped physique has seen Ooi appearing in The Straits Times’ Hot Bods section, on the cover (shirtless) of weekly magazine 8 Days and receiving several modelling offers.

    Won gold and silver medals in the men’s K2 1,000m and K4 200m events respectively.

    5. Sarach Yooyen, Thailand, 23 (Football)

    Thai football captain Sarach Yooyen.  — PHOTOS: LIM SIN THAI & SINGAPORE SEA GAMES ORGANISING COMMITTEE/ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS

    On the football pitch, the skipper orchestrates his team’s play from the heart of midfield.

    Off it, Yooyen, who plays for Muangthong United in the Thai Premier League, has got female fans swooning over his ruggedly handsome face.

    6. Pham Phuoc Hung, Vietnam, 26 (Gymnastics)

    Vietnamese gymnast Pham Phuoc Hung.  — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/AFP

    Lithe, flexible and sporting an eye-catching crop of dyed-gold hair, the artistic gymnast has turned heads at the Bishan Sports Hall.

    Pham concluded his campaign with a gold, two silvers and two bronzes.

    7. Harry Morris, Philippines, 30 (Rugby)

    Filipino rugby player Harry Morris.  — PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM/HMORRIS140

    The British-Filipino marine biologist and TV host combines brawn and brains in one hunky package. Has also endorsed several products back in the Philippines.

    8. Mark Leong, Singapore, 17 (Waterski)

    Singapore waterskiier Mark Leong.  — ST PHOTOS: KEVIN LIM

    Leong, who has German blood, has been making waves at the Bedok Reservoir alongside golden girl Sasha Christian. Set a new national record on his way to clinching the men’s slalom title.

    Female athletes

    9. Lindswell Kwok, Indonesia, 23 (Wushu)

    Indonesian wushu exponent Lindswell Kwok. — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK & SINGAPORE SEA GAMES ORGANISING COMMITTEE/ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS

    This taijiquan and tajijian world champion packs a lethal punch, winning gold in both optional events at these Games.

    Kwok is a fan of singer Bruno Mars and has a unique ritual of trimming her locks before or after a competition, which she says helps her alleviate the tension.

    10. Rachel Daquis, Philippines, 27 (Volleyball)

    Filipino volleyballer Rachel Anne Daquis.   — PHOTOS: DESMOND FOO/FHM MAGAZINE (PHILIPPINES)

    With her model-like looks, this leggy beauty is, quite rightly, the poster girl for the sport in her country.

    Daquis, who made the cover of FHM Philippines’ October 2014 issue, emerged seventh in a recent poll of the magazine’s top 10 sexiest women.

    11. Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, Malaysia, 21 (Gymnastics)

    Malaysian gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi.   — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/CAROLINE CHIA

    Despite doing her country proud with six golds, the artistic gymnast found herself at the centre of a controversy when netizens accused her of wearing revealing attire to compete.

    Her sister Katarina Abdul Hadi is in Malaysia’s synchronised swimming squad.

    12. Thidasavanh Sotthachit, Laos, 17 (Taekwondo)

    Laotian taekwondo exponent Thidasavanh Sotthachit.   — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/NEO XIAOBIN

    The Vientiane native, who made her Games debut in Singapore, is still in high school and is a fan of rock band Maroon 5. Interestingly, the school is called Sotthachit School as her mother is the principal.

    She lost her women’s Under-62kg semi-final bout to eventual champion Ha Thi Nguyen of Vietnam.

    13. Nurul Suhaila, Singapore, 20 (Silat)

    Singapore’s silat exponent Nurul Suhaila Mohd Saiful.  — PHOTOS: BERITA HARIAN

    Suhaila, along with her older sister and fellow silat exponent Shafiqah, have been dubbed the “white twins” due to their fair complexion.

    The Ngee Ann Polytechnic School of Film and Media Studies alumnus is interested in a career in TV production.

    14. Sailub Lertratanachai, Thailand, 22 (Equestrian)

    Thai rider Sailub Lertratanachai.  — PHOTO: FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM

    The sweet-looking Sailub is the eldest daughter of famous Thai radio DJ Vinit Lertratanachai. Her younger sister Siengsaw is also in Thailand’s equestrian team.

    15. Katharina Lehnert, Philippines, 21 (Tennis)

    Filipino tennis player Katharina Lehnert, who is half-German.  — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/CAROLINE CHIA

    While rainy weather put a dampener on large chunks of the tennis competition, German-born Lehnert certainly made up for it with her showbiz looks.

    She won a bronze in the women’s singles and two silvers in the doubles and team events.

    16. Chanboramey Ngoun, Cambodia, 27 (Sepak takraw)

    Cambodian sepak takraw player Chanboramey Ngoun.   — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK & JASON O’BRIEN/ACTION IMAGES

    Ngoun, who was part of the regu team that lost all three of their group matches at the Games, has been approached by Cambodia’s state television network to work as one of its emcees.

    Her personal Facebook page shows the pretty 27-year-old supporting her compatriots at various events and checking out the sights in Singapore.

    17. Liane Wong, Singapore, 21 (Fencing)

    Singapore fencer Liane Wong.  — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK & JOSEPH NAIR/SPORT SINGAPORE

    Wong’s older sister Cheryl also fences, with the duo picking up the sport at a young age after watching their brother fence. The siblings, together with Wang Wenying and Nicole Wong, picked up a gold in the women’s team foil event.

    18. Larasati Gading, Indonesia, 43 (Equestrian)

    Indonesian rider Larasati Gading.   — PHOTOS: INDONESIA TATLER & SINGAPORE SEA GAMES ORGANISING COMMITTEE/ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS

    Gading, a mother of three, cut a glamorous figure during the equestrian competition. She is also a successful entrepreneur back home, running her own equestrian school and supplies company.

    The veteran trotted away with both the dressage individual and team titles.

    19. Shelby Koh, Singapore, 20 (Netball)

    Singapore netballer Shelby Koh. — PHOTOS: ST FILE/THE NEW PAPER

    Koh, who plays wing attack, is of mixed parentage – her father is Singaporean and mother, Australian. The 1.75cm-tall beauty loves Indian food and bubble tea.

    Part of the team which beat rivals Malaysia to secure a historic netball gold.

    20. Chelsea Sim, Singapore, 19 (Taekwondo)

    Saingapore’s taekwondo exponenet Chelsea Sim.  — PHOTOS: FACEBOOK & SINGAPORE SEA GAMES ORGANISING COMMITTEE/ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS

    Sim’s petite 1.50m frame belies a fiercely competitive streak – she bounced back from the disappointment of losing out on a gold in the individual poomsae two years ago in Myanmar to secure victory on home soil.

    Loves shopping and watching TV series like any ordinary girl, but watch out for her swift, gravity-defying kicks.