Timesport On The Beat

Ex-national shuttler Datuk Jack Koh believes Malaysia’s men’s doubles pairs, led by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, have what it takes to challenge for honours at the World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17-23. Jack also looks at the country's prospects in the tournament following the withdrawal of defending mixed doubles champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.

KL City captain Paulo Josue joins Timesport: On the Beat to discuss why he believes Brazilian football has lost part of its identity in the modern era. The Malaysian international reflects on the decline of creative playmakers, the growing focus on tactical systems and athleticism, and the pressure facing Brazil’s current generation. Josue also looks back at Brazil’s iconic 2002 World Cup-winning squad, praising the mentality, freedom, and flair that defined that era. He then turns his attention to Asia, explaining why Japan could emerge as one of the surprise packages at the ongoing World Cup after years of progress and impressive victories over football giants.

Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (FCAM) former vice-president Datuk Richard Scully breaks down how the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup could reshape global football. From fixture congestion and travel headaches to the rise of smaller nations like Jordan and Uzbekistan, he explains why success is now built on structure rather than size, and what Malaysia can learn from football's changing landscape.

In this episode of Timesport: On the Beat, former FIFA World Cup referee Subkhiddin Salleh warns that modern officiating technology, including the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), is making on-pitch officials lazy. Subkhiddin says the technology reduces the alertness of referees during matches, as they rely too much on VAR to correct their mistakes instead of making the right call immediately. The veteran official also opens up about the dark personal toll of his career, revealing how cyberbullies targeted his daughter online. He recounts a humiliating domestic match where he was completely deceived by a player's "flying" simulation, which resulted in a wrongly awarded penalty. Subkhiddin closes with a direct warning to Malaysian football administrators, urging them to respect the sport. He cautions that those who cheat today will not be safe tomorrow.

In this episode of Timesport: On the Beat, critic Pekan Ramli says the Malaysian league is using cosmetic "makeup" to hide unpaid wages, document forgery scandals, and plummeting attendance. Pekan says gag orders on clubs and systemic failures have turned an 11-year professionalisation effort into a failing, abandoned project.

Former Thomas Cup winner Kwan Yoke Meng said Malaysia’s key to winning the prestigious men’s team tournament lies in Lee Zii Jia. He felt that the independent shuttler is arguably the strongest third singles in the competition starting on Friday in Horsens, Denmark, therefore making him a powerful weapon for Malaysia. Yoke Meng, who had trained Zii Jia during his junior days, even went as far as to say that the world has yet to witness the former All England champion at his best.

The FA of Malaysia will not want to hear this. Football critic Zakaria Rahim says the national men’s team are no longer respected by their rivals in Southeast Asia. He claims that from the way “opponents talk about us”, Malaysia have become easy target. Zakaria also says Malaysia’s national team project is quietly losing its connection with local players.

Is replacing the national men's hockey coach really fixing anything or just masking long-standing issues? In this episode, we break down Sarjit Singh’s exit and Brendon Carolan’s arrival, as former international Maninderjit Singh questions a system that has cycled through dozens of coaches with little to show for it. From grassroots development failures to a shrinking pool of quality coaches and officials, we examine why Malaysian hockey struggles persist and whether the sport is ready to confront some hard truths.

Is replacing the national men's hockey coach really fixing anything or just masking long-standing issues? In this episode, we break down Sarjit Singh’s exit and Brendon Carolan’s arrival, as former international Maninderjit Singh questions a system that has cycled through dozens of coaches with little to show for it. From grassroots development failures to a shrinking pool of quality coaches and officials, we examine why Malaysian hockey struggles persist and whether the sport is ready to confront some hard truths.

Timesport’s Fadhli Ishak sat down with national women’s sevens head coach Faiz Samsukhidhir and team manager Tan Thiam Jin (TJ) to discuss the team’s historic SEA Games silver medal, the push for greater athlete career stability, and the urgent need to address the medical insurance gap in high-risk contact sports.

Timesport: On the Beat goes to the heart of Malaysian football to ask what truly matters and what’s been holding it back. Football critic Sayf Ismail offers a frank, no-nonsense reality check.

Veteran hockey writer Aftar Singh insists Malaysia have no excuses heading into the Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt, with the Speedy Tigers expected to reach the final based on ranking and experience. In this episode of Timesport: On The Beat, we assess Malaysia’s chances against Austria, Pakistan and China, and examine concerns over tactics and whether the national team can finally deliver when qualification is on the line.

Timesport's Fadhli Ishak sat down with Malaysia Pro Cycling founder and team principal Sayuti Zahit to discuss the team's direction and also take a broader look at what it takes to succeed in road cycling.

WHAT has led to the decline in Malaysia’s men’s badminton singles? Since Lee Chong Wei’s retirement, we have no one really capable of carrying the torch in this department. Lee Zii Jia did show some promise but the former All England champion is now a pale shadow of his former self, and no one else has been able to step up to the breach. Chong Wei Feng, who is a former SEA Games champion and member of the 2014 silver-winning Thomas Cup squad, discusses the issue with Timesport’s K. M. Boopathy. Wei Feng also talks about the steps taken by national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen to deal with the the situation, and BAM’s renewed focus on junior development.

Former Thomas Cup winner Datuk James Selvaraj speaks to K. M. Boopathy on the Timesport: On The Beat podcast about the performances of the Malaysian pairs, led by women’s doubles world No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, at last month’s World Tour Finals, and what is expected of them at the Malaysia Open.

On Timesport: On the Beat, host Faizal Salim sits down with sports science specialist Dr Ahmad Fadzlee Ahmad Idriss to take a hard look at Malaysia’s SEA Games campaign in Thailand. Forget the 231-medal headline. This is about uncomfortable questions - safe targets, athlete pressure, and the steady drain of local coaching talent. Progress, or just another familiar cycle?

Malaysia’s countdown to the 2025 SEA Games comes with a harsh reality check as sports critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli warned that the nation could no longer afford another slip-up. After finishing seventh in the 2023 Phnom Penh edition, he insisted Malaysia must target at least fourth place in Thailand — or risk further embarrassment ahead of hosting duties in 2027. In this episode of Timesport: On the Beat, Pekan pulled no punches, calling out “colourless medal” goals, inconsistent athlete selection, and complacency.

Ex-national shuttler Vivian Hoo shares her take on what Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah’s World Championship silver means for Malaysian women’s badminton, and why it could spark a new golden era. The two-time Commonwealth Games champion also talks about the pair’s fight to challenge China’s dominance, the hunger driving Malaysia’s next wave, and how her VH Academy is grooming future champions.

Former footballer and coach Lim Chan Yew joins Timesport: On the Beat to unpack Harimau Malaya’s 3-0 and 5-1 wins over Laos and what they really mean for Malaysian football. In this candid chat, Chan Yew explains why results don’t tell the full story, how the seven-player suspension exposed Malaysia’s lack of depth, and why the nation’s rise depends on developing players with both “size and brains"

Spartan Race ambassador Jayden Tian shares why Malaysians shouldn’t wait until they feel ready to join the obstacle race. He talks about the sport’s growth in Malaysia, the unique mix of endurance and strength it demands, and inspiring stories such as a contestant who completed the race with his 60-year-old mother.

The Peter Cklamovski era with Harimau Malaya began under scrutiny over a perceived reliance on foreign-based heritage players, but recent victories over Singapore and Palestine have eased those doubts. In this episode of Timesports: On the Beat, Datuk Richard Scully discusses how Cklamovski’s faith in local talent is reshaping the national team and building a winning culture.

Datuk Razif Sidek says Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei’s world title is more than just gold — it marks a turning point for Malaysian badminton. He believes their win could inspire more players to pursue mixed doubles and drive Malaysia’s push for Olympic gold in 2028.

Datuk Razif Sidek is backing world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to capture the men’s doubles crown at the World Championships in Paris from Aug 25-31. The badminton legend shares his predictions and Malaysia’s prospects in an exclusive interview with Timesport: On the Beat.

Renowned sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli sat down with Timesport's Fadhli Ishak to discuss the recent World University Games and World Aquatics Championships as well as what to expect at the upcoming Thailand Sea Games following Malaysia's disastrous outing at the 2023 Phnom Penh Sea Games.

In this episode of Timesport: On the Beat, KL City’s Giancarlo Gallifuoco shares his thoughts on the 2025-2026 Super League season, calling it one of the most competitive yet, with stronger squads and a longer schedule set to test every team’s depth. The former Australia Under-23 international also reflects on KL City’s rebuilding phase, their new identity under a fresh coaching setup, and his hopes for greater consistency and rhythm. Drawing from his success with the club, including the 2021 Malaysia Cup win, Gallifuoco highlights the importance of teamwork over star power and discusses the values that continue to drive him and his teammates forward.

National tennis players Koay Hao Sheng and Darrshan Kumar sat down with Timesport's Fadhli Ishak to discuss their recent success in the Davis Cup, collegiate tennis in the United States as well as their future plans

In this episode of Timesport: On The Beat, Faizal Salim sits down with sports psychologist Philip Lew to explore the often-overlooked mental side of Malaysian sport. From the pressure of social media to the importance of early intervention at school level, Philip shares insights on how athletes — and those around them — can build resilience, self-belief and learn to bounce back from defeat.

Former world No. 1 Datuk Rashid Sidek reflects on his rise from childhood to Thomas Cup glory, and the influence of his late father and coach, Datuk Haji Sidek Abdullah Kamar, in Timesport: On the Beat.

This episode highlights Soh Wai Ching’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to world tower running champion. MTRA president Ravinder Singh shares how his rise has lifted Malaysia to fifth in the world rankings.

In this episode, Manchester United fans S. Jeevanesan and T. Yogaraj from the Kuala Lumpur Mancunian Red Devils Supporters’ Club share their views on Ruben Amorim’s impact since taking charge, the Europa League defeat by Tottenham, and what United’s visit to Malaysia means for local supporters.

Datuk James Selvaraj joins Timesport: On the Beat to discuss new BAM boss Tengku Zafrul’s role in shaping the future of Malaysian badminton. The former national shuttler shares thoughts on Olympic hopes, talent development, and why engaging with players is key to success.

In an exclusive interview with Timesport On The Beat, Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski talks about football’s raw emotions, the influence of 1980s legend Darko Pancev, and VAR ruining the magic of the game. The Australian also plans to have a TV reality show called Building the Tiger, starring himself and Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

In this Timesport on the Beat episode, MFL acting CEO Shazli Shaik Mohd shares what fans can expect at the Malaysia Cup final - from entertainment and pre-match festivities to ticketing, transport and security - as JDT face Sri Pahang in Bukit Jalil on April 26.

Former national player Kuldip Singh Durbara Singh shares his thoughts on how pickleball and tennis can co-exist among other topics.

Will the U23 MFL Cup be scrapped next season? Can the M-League finally put an end to its salary woes? And should the Super League be cut to just eight teams? Former FAM exco Christopher Raj shares his take on the biggest issues facing Malaysian football.

With a new set of office bearers set to lead the FA of Malaysia (FAM) soon, Universiti Malaya Adjunct Professor and former FAM head of marketing, Sayf Ismail, sat down with Timesport to talk about FAM's past shortcomings and what they need to do to put Malaysian football back on track. With RM30 million of public funds being allocated to the national team set-up recently, Sayf also urged fans to be more vocal and question FAM when required, as it is their right to do so.

Trail running, though not new here, is now rapidly gaining popularity in Malaysia. The trail running community in Malaysia currently the fifth largest in Asia and is 23rd worldwide. Timesport sat down with runner-turned-race organiser Ewegene Tan and elite athlete Carly Balmforth to better understand the sport and preview the upcoming Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB, a world class trail running event set to be held in Taiping on Nov 15-17.

Timesport's Faizal Salim speaks with Selangor Red Giants co-founder Simon Lim about the hard work and strategy that fuelled their RM1 million Mid Season Cup triumph in Riyadh in July, along with their continued dominance in the local MLBB scene.

Timesport's Fadhli Ishak sat down with Terengganu Cycling Team advisor Danny Feng to take a look back at some of the highlights of the recent Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi as well as discuss some long-standing issues faced by the national road cycling team.

Malaysian hockey hit a new low when the Speedy Tigers finished last in the recent six-team Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia. Malaysia got only one win from six matches, scoring 17 goals but conceding 25. Timesport On the Beat talks to former Olympian Maninderjit Singh on what is wrong with the national hockey team and what can be done to improve things.

Timesport's Faizal Salim speaks to sports critic Melvin Chia on whether there is a need for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be turned into a National Games and what alternatives should be created for athletes who are no longer eligible to participate in Sukma.

This is among many issues in KL City player Giancarlo Gallifuoco's talk with Timesport's Farah Azharie.

Timesport's K. Rajan and sports critic Melvin Chia review the performances of Malaysian athletes at the recent Paris Olympics. Who stood out as the best? Who ended up being a waste of time?

Timesport's K. Rajan and Fadhli Ishak discuss Malaysian athletes' chances of ending the nation's long wait for a first-ever gold medal at the Olympics. Can the national contingent deliver glory in Paris and gift the nation a public holiday?

Triathlete Lee Wen Jun and event organiser Andy Foo speak to Timesport's Faizal Salim about why triathlon is one of the most difficult sports to master, testing both endurance and fitness. They also discuss how the sport can grow in Malaysia.

Six-time world champion Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah speaks to Timesport's K. Rajan about the life of a bodybuilder and his hopes for the sport after announcing his retirement in March. Syarul, who won the 2023 Sportsman of the Year award, still maintains his diet and training regime despite taking a backseat as a competitor.

Timesport's Fadhli Ishak sat down with Enervive Sports CEO Shahrizin Shaharudin, whose company organizes the Super Schools Rugby (SSR), to talk about its role in the Malaysian rugby ecosystem as well as plans for the competition. Shahrizin also hinted at a possible expansion of their Corporate Rugby League, which has the potential to fill the void left by the Malaysia Rugby League.

Malaysian shuttlers entered this year's Thomas Cup appearing understrength. Despite this, they defied expectations, clinching a bronze. Timesport catches up with former international Datuk James Selvaraj to review the world team event and also talk about the upcoming tournaments and Paris Olympics.

In badminton, the Thomas Cup is what the FIFA World Cup is to football. However it has been more than three decades since Malaysia last won it. Chong Wei Feng, a member of the Malaysian side that last reached the final 10 years ago, talks about this year's edition and what he thinks of the national team.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has extended an offer to Malaysia to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, prompting the government to deliberate on the proposition. In this episode, we engage in a discussion with Twentytwo13's Executive Editor, Graig Nunis, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of Malaysia hosting the Commonwealth Games once again, 28 years after its successful staging in 1998.