Kuala Lumpur, 22 June 2009 – Contender Asia fans, your favourite Muay Thai reality show will be filmed and produced right here in Malaysia from July to August. At the Contender Asia Season 2 Media Conference today, Tourism Minister Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen congratulated the Osys Group for bringing the USD7 million Hollywood reality TV series to Malaysia. Osys won the much coveted bid against other keen parties such as the USA, Macau, Australia, Thailand and Singapore (who hosted the first season of Contender Asia).
“We see this as an excellent collaboration between the private sector and the Government to promote Malaysia to the world,” said Dr. Ng. “As the host country, we would ensure that the production crew and contestants experience the best of Malaysia’s authentic hospitality. We will also avail our tourism council teams to be at the production team’s beck and call to reduce any red tapes and bureaucracy.”
Mr. Riaz Mehta, Executive Producer of Contender Asia 2and President of Imagine OmniMedia Pte Ltd stated that the continued exposure and promotion of Malaysia with every airing of contender Asia 2 would be worth over USD100 million in media and PR value. The hugely popular and successful Emmy Award nominee Contender Asia Season One was aired in prime time in over 40 countries including the USA, UK, Australia and Asia.
“With Mark Burnet helming the project as producer and being supported by a stellar group of cast and crew, Contender Asia 2 promises to top Season One in terms of quality and a higher calibre of contestants ever seen before on TV,” Mehta added. The illustrious crew include award-winning lighting expert Michael Koepke of Iron Man 1 & 2, and Survivor fame; and award-winning art director Brian Edmonds of Wolverine.
Sixteen of the best Muay Thai fighters from 14 different nations (including 2 from Malaysia) will compete to be the last man standing and earn the Contender title. The fighters will move into the Contender House in the beginning of July and be divided into two groups. Each week, the fighters and their personal dramas as they live and work with each other will be filmed, leading up to the adrenaline pumping elimination face-off in the ring.
Contender Asia will be hosted by local celebrity Marion Caunter and Stephan Fox, the International Co-ordinator and Vice President of the World Muay Thai Council. The 15-episode Contender Asia Season 2 is scheduled to debut on AXN this October.
It won’t all be fighting and personal drama though. The fighters will also be filmed enjoying the beauty and hospitality at the numerous attractions of Malaysia throughout its 40 days of filming such as Mulu Caves, Langkawi, Kellie’s Castle, Penang, Melaka, Terengganu, Lata Jarum in Pahang, Batu Caves and homestays in Selangor, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur and a dinner cruise at Putrajaya.
“I am confident that the tremendous publicity that can be generated by Contender Asia Season 2 will help raise awareness of all that Malaysia has to offer and to entice foreign tourists to visit our country and consider participating in our Malaysia My Second Home program,” Dr. Ng concluded.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Emmy Award Nominee Contender Asia Season II Comes to Malaysia
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Contender Asia Season 2 will help promote tourism in Malaysia
Kickboxing reality show gives tourism big punch
By : R.S. Kamini Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen showing off the ‘Contender Asia’ championship belt. With her are (from left) Malaysian Muay Thai fighter Bernard Radin, ‘Contender Asia 2’ executive producer Riaz Mehta, Osys group of companies managing director Muhd Shahnaz Azmi, World Muay Thai Council vice-president and show host Stephan Fox and Malaysian fighter Faizal Ramli. |
KUALA LUMPUR: Muay Thai kickboxing reality show Contender Asia will serve as the Tourism Ministry's single biggest channel to promote Malaysia's exotic locations until the end of the year.
Other locations are Kellie's Castle, Perak; Lata Jarum Waterfalls, Pahang; Batu Caves and homestay programmes in Selangor; tattoo and tribal villages in Sabah; Terengganu beaches; Petronas Twin Towers; and a dinner cruise at Putrajaya
The show, expected to air in October, will have 16 fighters from 14 countries competing for "The Contender" title at a purpose-built set in Petaling Jaya.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the projected revenue spin-offs from it would not only boost tourism but elevate Malaysia's profile as a modern, progressive, charming and peaceful country.
Dr Ng said: "I hope Contender Asia can increase awareness of the wonderful sights and sounds of Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination or the best option for a second home."
She said the ministry expected a good promotion for Malaysia My Second Home Programme through the show.
She has directed tourism action councils at the respective destinations to support the filming and minimise red tape when dealing with local authorities.
She was speaking at a press conference to announce that Malaysia would host the kick-boxing show.
Malaysia won the US$1 million (RM3.5 million) bid to bring the cast and crew of Contender Asia through Osys Group, an open system developer which also specialises in biotechnology and aviation industries.
Group managing director Muhd Shahnaz Azm said Malaysia was lucky to have won the bid as 10 countries, including Thailand, where Muay Thai originated, had submitted bids.
Two local Muay Thai fighters will represent the country in this season's show, which comprises 15 weekly elimination rounds followed by the final round to win US$250,000.
Contender Asia was one of the highest-rated reality television shows that achieved the No. 1 spot when it aired on the AXN channel between January and April last year.
Berita Harian
Malaysia tuan rumah The Contender Asia
KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia dipilih sebagai tuan rumah kepada program realiti Hollywood, The Contender Asia musim kedua, apabila syarikat Bumiputera, Kumpulan Osys, memenangi bidaan RM3.5 juta mengalahkan lima negara iaitu Amerika Syarikat, Macau, Thailand, Singapura dan Australia.
Program realiti yang menjadikan Singapura lokasi penggambaran pertama tahun lalu itu akan membawa peserta ke 11 lokasi di negara ini iaitu di Gua Mulu, Pulau Langkawi, A Famosa Melaka, Batu Caves, Terengganu, Pulau Pinang, Istana Kellie di Perak.
Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen berkata, The Contender Asia itu dilihat mampu mempromosikan Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan berikutan program realiti yang diperkenalkan tahun lalu itu dijangka ditontoni 1.2 bilion penonton di seluruh dunia.
TV Reality Show Contender Asia Season 2 to begin filming next month
Tuesday June 23, 2009Reality TV show set to be a knockout for M’sia
KUALA LUMPUR: The attractions Malaysia has to offer will gain global exposure when reality TV show The Contender Asia Season 2 begins filming next month.
The 15-episode series – on the quest by 16 Muay Thai fighters from around the globe for the coveted title of “The Contender Asia” – will feature the Mulu Caves in Sarawak, Langkawi, Kellie’s Castle in Perak and Penang among its 11 location sites.
The programme will also see shooting in Malacca, Terengganu, Lata Jarum in Pahang and Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.
The fighters would also be exposed to homestays in Selangor, tattooing and tribal ceremonies in Sabah, the Twin Towers, shopping, infrastructure, nightlife, parks and cultural highlights in Kuala Lumpur and a dinner cruise in Putrajaya.
Ready to rumble: Dr Ng (centre) posing with the Contender Asia championship belt along with (from left) Malaysian contender Bernard Radin, Contender Asia 2 executive producer Riaz Mehta, Osys Group MD Muhammad Shahnaz Azmi, Fox and another contender, Muhammad Faizal Ramli, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the hugely popular programme would give Malaysia a competitive advantage as a top-of-mind holiday destination.
“It also reflects our commitment to promote Malaysia as a preferred venue for TV productions of this stature,” she told a press conference at her office here yesterday.
The US$7mil (RM25mil) production is expected to have an audience of 1.2 billion viewers across 60 countries.
Dr Ng said the projected revenue from aggressive marketing, promotions and related sponsorship packages will give a much needed boost to tourism and the economic growth of the country.
International reality shows filmed in Malaysia previously included Survivor and The Amazing Race Asia.
The Contender Asia Season 2, hosted by Marion Caunter and World Muay Thai Council vice-president Stephen Fox, is scheduled to debut on AXN (Astro Channel 701) in October.
For more information on The Contender Asia, visit www.thecontenderasia.com.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Harian Metro
KUALA LUMPUR: Kejayaan syarikat Bumiputera, Kumpulan Osys memenangi bidaan bernilai RM3.54 juta (AS$1 juta) untuk menganjurkan program realiti TV Hollywood, The Contender Asia musim kedua bakal melakar sejarah tersendiri buat negara.
Kemenangan itu tidak hanya meletakkan Malaysia setapak ke depan berbanding Amerika Syarikat, Macau, Thailand, Singapura dan Australia ketika merebut peluang menjadi tuan rumah, sebaliknya kesempatan menaikkan profil negara di seluruh dunia.
Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, berkata penganjuran program realiti TV itu yang mempunyai jumlah penonton sehingga 500 juta seluruh dunia pada musim sebelumnya, akan memberi banyak manfaat kepada industri pelancongan tempatan.
“Pulangan daripada aktiviti pemasaran, promosi dan pakej penajaan agresif produksi TV ini turut diyakini memberi potensi besar kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi negara yang dilihat sebagai moden, progresif dengan rakyat berbilang kaum hidup aman sentosa.
“Jadi, kementerian akan memberi sepenuh sokongan menjayakan produksi The Contender Asia musim baru ini,” katanya pada sidang media mengumumkan penganjuran program The Contender Asia Musim Ke-2, di Menara Dato Onn di sini, semalam.
Hadir sama Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan Osys, Muhd Shahnaz Azmi; Produser Eksekutif The Contender Asia 2 yang juga Presiden Imagine OmniMedia Pte Ltd, Riaz Mehta dan Naib Presiden Majlis Muaythai Sedunia, Stephan Fox.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ismail wins in Titiwangsa
Ismail or better known as Mail surprised the crowd, controlling the match from beginning to end. Which was never expected as Azizi is a very good and experienced fighter. When we had suggested Mail fight Azizi the organisers had later called back and asked whether Mail could get past the first round. I am so proud to say he definately did and went on to win with style. Good job Mail!
Here's the fight video
Ali vs Howson
Andy Howson facebook
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Mohd Ali vs Andy Howson
Unfortunately Ali lost the World Title fight against Andy Howson of Bad Company.
According to team captain Bernard Radin, it was a good fight with Ali being the aggressor in the initial rounds. In round 2, Ali managed to down Howson with a kick to the head with his left leg, subjecting Howson to an 8 count. Howson walked out with his face pretty cut up, Ali walked out with some swellings on his shins.
It was a good match up and we hope to challenge Howson to a rematch during the Contender Asia Undercard fights in Malaysia.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Ali will fight in the WMC Muaythai against drugs World Challenge!
WMC MUAYTHAI AGAINST DRUGS WORLD CHALLENGE
Saturday, June 13 Leeds Town Hall in West Yorkshire England will be the venue for one of the most explosive showdowns of the first half 2009. In the battle for the Muaythai Against Drugs World Challenge World Title, European Champion and Superstar, Andy Howson will take on Malaysian Champion and Arafura Games medal winner, Mohd Ali Yaakub. The event features an exciting fight card not to be missed! Visit www.badcompany.co.uk for details.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ismail Ramli to Fight at Titiwangsa
Ismail Ramli or more fondly known as Mail, our youngest Malaysian Tiger will be fighting against Nik Azizi this Saturday.
The others fights of the night are-
1: Ahmad Fadzli (TLDM) vs Faizai "Anak Tiong" (Kelantan)
2 : Kamarul "Pakcu Gamas" vs Lim Chee Leong (TNT)
3 : Mohd Amin vs Mat Ropi (Sasalon)
4 : Fauzan Zabidi vs Nik Hafizi (Kuda Merah)
5 : Ismail Ramli (Tigers) vs Nik Md Azizi (Kuda Merah)
6 : Addy B Deraman (Boxx Warrior Ampang) vs Mohd Aswadi (Sri Payung/TLDM)
Monday, June 8, 2009
This Saturday the 13th of May-Fight night for Ali & Mail
Ali will be leaving for the UK this Thursday for his big fight against Andy Howson of Bad Company UK for the WMC Muaythai against Drugs World Title.This will definitely not be an easy fight, well fighting for a World Title is never easy, so we wish Ali the best of luck. We hope he will adjust well to the time change and chilly weather.
Our Malaysian Tiger, Ismail Ramli on the other hand will be fighting Azizi, Kuda Merah. This match will see a relatively new fighter, Mail against a more experienced fighter Azizi from the PDRM. This will prove an interesting fight to watch. So all of you in the vicinity of Stadium Titiwangsa on Saturday the 13th around 8pm. Don't forget to catch Mail and Azizi in action. There are sure to be some more interesting fights to catch so come along and give a little support to our youngest Tiger!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Our path towards the SEA Games, Combat Sports Martiad and beyond
I thought you would like to know a little of what our fighters have been up to and what we will be doing!
Sept/Oct 08- We sent a Malaysian Muaythai Contingent to the IFMA Muaythai World Championships in Busan, Korea.Here Khoo Meng Yang brought back a bronze medal for Malaysia.
December 5Bernard & Ali partcipated in the Thai King's Cup-where both our fighters won their respective fights. It was here that Bernard qualified for his place in Contender Asia 2. Ali and Bernard were honoured to be the first Malaysian's to ever participate in this event.
Dec 08, Jan, Feb, March 09-Our newly created Malaysian Tigers Team attend intensive training at WMC Lamai in Koh Samui, Thailand.
- Our Malaysian Tigers participated in many fights at Chaweng Stadium in Koh Samui.
Jan 12- Faizal beats German reality show celebrity and Boxing Champ-Tony Chaweng. Ali also wins his fight against Pornprom Sorruangsawat.
February 7/8- Boxxwarriors Event in Cheras- Faizal beat Abbas Ahmadi, Zeri beat Iddi Selindang Kuning and Hamdan is defeated by Tengku Shahrizal.March 21st-Ali is sent to Australia to fight Flip Street in Gold Coast Australia. Ali is defeated by a visibly bigger and heavier Flip but he earned the Australian's respect and has been called back to Australia to fight.
March 15- WMC Gym Malaysia is opened and now serves as base camp fot the Malaysian Tigers.
April 24th-We organized the Contender Asia 2 Malaysian Qualifier in Kota Bharu to choose Malaysia's 2nd representative to CA2.
Our very own Faizal Ramli appeared victorious beating 7 other hopefuls
MAY- 9th-15th of May, our athletes attended the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia.
We have just come back from Darwin Australia, where 6 of our athletes participated in these Amateur Championships!
Ali and Faizal-Gold medals
Noramin-Silver
Ejo, Mail & Azwan-Bronze
JULY-11-17th of July. Our representatives will be attending an international IFMA Khan Degree seminar in Germany.
AUGUST- 1st. The Asian Martial Arts Games will be held in Bangkok.
OCT-NOV-30th Oct- 8th Nov we will be participating at the Indoor Asian Games at Vietnam.
NOVEMBER-IFMA World Championships in Bangkok. Winners in this event will qualify to participate in the 2010 GAISF /Sportaccord Martial Arts Martiad in Beijing.
NOVEMBER-We will be conducting instructors courses for all those interested in teaching Muaythai in Malaysia.
DECEMBER-the SEA Games in Vientiane, Laos
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Faizal siku emas
Laporan dan foto AZLAN HAFEEDZmetahad@hmetro.com.my
 |
JIKA jaguh gusti Steve Austin digelar Stone Cold, Mohd Faizal Ramli, 20, pula diberi gelaran The Golden Elbow atau Siku Emas.
Gelaran itu bukan calang-calang atau mainan kerana ia bukan diberi oleh ahli keluarga atau rakan sekampung, sebaliknya ia pengiktirafan oleh peminat sukan Muay Thai atau tomoi di peringkat antarabangsa, sinonim dengan kepakaran Faizal menggunakan kedua-dua sikunya sebagai senjata utama untuk menundukkan lawan.
Lawannya pula bukan setakat peninju tomoi di dalam negara tetapi siku emas Faizal juga sudah menumbangkan jaguh tomoi Thailand, Australia dan beberapa negara Mat Saleh lain.
Awal tahun ini, Faizal menumbangkan peninju tomoi dari Jerman untuk menjulang kejuaraan kejohanan World Muay Thai Championship (WMC) 2009 di Bangkok, Thailand.
Itulah kehebatan anak kelahiran Kampung Gong Kua, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan itu. Ibarat mengesahkan kehebatannya, Faizal terpilih mewakili Malaysia untuk rancangan realiti televisyen The Contender Asia 2 (TCA2) yang bermula Jun depan.
Dia terpilih selepas mengalahkan 18 peserta tempatan lain yang turut mencuba nasib dalam pertandingan Kejohanan Tomoi Super 8 di Kompleks Belia dan Sukan Kelantan, April lalu.
Ditanya perasaannya sebagai anak Malaysia pertama yang bakal menyertai program TCA2, Faizal berkata, dia sangat teruja dan bersemangat untuk mengharumkan nama Malaysia, sekali gus membuktikan peninju tomoi kita sama hebat dengan jaguh negara lain, termasuk Thailand.
"Bagi saya, peninju tomoi kita kini sama taraf dengan peninju luar, termasuk Thailand. Memang mereka (peninju Thailand) diberi lebih banyak pendedahan kerana dilatih sejak kecil.
"Bagaimanapun, peninju kita juga ada kelebihan tersendiri. Hasil pembabitan saya dalam kejohanan di luar negara, secara keseluruhan peminat dan peninju tomoi dari serata dunia kini menggeruni dan mengakui kehebatan peninju kita," katanya.
Menceritakan sejarah pembabitannya dalam sukan tomoi, Faizal berkata, pada awalnya dia bercita-cita menjadi pemain bola sepak profesional.
Namun, minatnya bertukar kepada sukan tomoi selepas ayahnya, Ramli Yusuff, 48, yang juga bekas juara tomoi era 1980-an membawanya menonton satu perlawanan tomoi di Rantau Panjang, Kelantan.
Pada awalnya, Faizal menyimpan wang saku sekolahnya untuk membeli cakera padat video (VCD) perihal latihan asas sukan tomoi dan menontonnya di rumah rakan.
Ini kerana pada ketika itu ibunya, Faridah Ishak, 40, tidak merestui dia mengikut jejak ayahnya berikutan sukan itu dianggap bahaya.
Sampai satu peringkat, Faizal tidak puas hanya berlatih dengan menonton VCD, lalu dia berguru dengan sifu tomoi, Mohd Isa Sulaiman, 59, yang secara kebetulan membuka kelab tomoi dikenali sebagai 'Black Tiger' di kampungnya.
"Saya memperuntukkan masa dua jam sehari untuk belajar tomoi, termasuk 'jogging' mengelilingi kampung sejauh 10 kilometer, selain melakukan senaman menguatkan otot dan tumbukan angin sebanyak 100 kali sehari," katanya.
Faizal berkata, selepas menguasai latihan asas, dia diajar melakukan tumbukan dan hentakan siku terhadap guni berisi pasir kasar seberat 100 kilogram (kg) sebanyak 500 kali sehari.
Namun, paling memeritkannya ialah latihan menguatkan bahagian keting (tulang kering) dan betis apabila dia diminta Mohd Isa melakukan sepakan terhadap sebatang tiang bulat sebanyak 200 kali sehari.
"Akibatnya, keting saya bengkak dan ibu pula nampak. Namun bila ibu tanya, saya beri alasan jatuh kerana bermain bola sepak.
"Saya bukan sengaja berbohong atau hendak menderhaka kepada ibu, tetapi terpaksa berbuat demikian kerana minat yang terlalu mendalam terhadap sukan tomoi.
"Yang seronoknya, ayah tidak melarang, sebaliknya memberitahu, jika saya betul-betul berminat dengan tomoi, jangan berhenti separuh jalan tapi perlu teruskan sehingga sampai ke puncak," katanya.
Selain Faizal, abang, Suhaimi, 22, dan adiknya, Mohd Faizul, 17, turut terbabit dalam permainan sukan tomoi, namun pembabitan mereka berdua masih di peringkat awal.
Faizal berkata, tomoi ada kaitan rapat dengan sukan tinju, namun bezanya ialah tomoi membenarkan penggunaan kaki, lutut dan siku manakala tinju hanya menggunakan tumbukan.
Kejohanan pertama yang disertai Faizal ialah ketika berusia 15 tahun selepas selesai menduduki Peperiksaan Menengah Rendah (PMR).
"Namun, saya sembunyikan perkara itu daripada ibu. Agak mengejutkan kerana saya jadi juara walaupun berdepan lawan lebih berpengalaman. Kejayaan pertama itu sungguh bermakna buat diri saya.
"Ia menambah pengalaman saya dan mengajar saya mengawal ketahanan mental. Bila ada dalam gelanggang, anak muay (tomoi) perlu mengawal marah dan patuh setiap peraturan," katanya.
Menjelang TCA 2, Faizal kini giat menjalani latihan bersama rakan sepasukannya, Bernard 'Headhunter' Radin, 37, dari Sarawak di Gymnasium Lamai di Koh Samui, Thailand, selama sebulan.
Penerbit Eksekutif TCA, Riaz Mehta, berkata rancangan realiti musim kedua itu lebih menarik untuk tatapan rakyat Malaysia kerana ia bukan saja memiliki wakil Malaysia, tapi negara kita menjadi tuan rumah dan tempat penggambaran bermula Jun depan hingga perlawanan akhir pada Januari 2010.
"Pemilihan Malaysia sebagai tuan rumah kepada siri popular yang disaksikan oleh 500 juta penonton dari 40 buah negara ini adalah kerana landskap sesuai untuk latihan serta jumlah peminat seni tomoi yang ramai di negara ini.
"Kita jangka, musim kedua TCA akan ditonton lebih 1.2 bilion penonton kerana ia akan disiarkan ke 50 negara melalui siaran AXN," katanya sambil memaklumkan, 18 peserta dari 17 negara akan bertanding merebut wang tunai RM1 juta.
Profil
NAMA: Mohd Faizal Ramli
LAHIR: 24 Oktober 1989 di Pasir Puteh, Kelantan
KERJAYA: Peninju Muay Thai (tomoi)
KELAB: The Black Tiger Gong Kua, Pasir Puteh (2001 hingga November 2008); Malaysian Tigers Muay Thai Club, Kuala Lumpur (Disember 2008 hingga kini)
PENCAPAIAN: Sebanyak 30 penyertaan dengan 30 kemenangan tanpa kalah dan seri (2005-2009); Juara World Muay Thai Championship (WMC) di Bangkok, Thailand (2009); Juara Kejohanan Tomoi Super Eight Contender Asia (2009); pingat emas Sukan Arafura di Darwin, Australia (2009); Juara Muay Thai Ultimate Warrior Malaysia (2005, 2006 dan 2008)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Malaysian Freestyle Kickboxing Event
Date-Tonight 22.5.09
Venue-Stadium Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Time-8.30pm-12am
Ticket price-RM10 per person
Here's the fight card-
1. Kamarul Ismail- Pulapol KL
vs
Fazilishah Kamaruddin-Singa Malaya,Kajang, Selangor
2. Abdul Ghani Seman- Kota Bharu Kelantan
vs
Sammersing- Boxxwarriors Kedah
3. Intan Diana- Pusat Latihan Polis, Negeri Sembilan
vs
Tan Pei Pin- TNT KickBoxing, Damansara
4. Zawawi Awang Teh- Kuda Merah, PDRM
vs
Muhd Amiruddin- Flying Cobra, Melaka
5. Saifun Lok Banok- Salsaloon, Pasir Putih, Kelantan
vs
Q Eik Kasib- Boxxwarriors Kedah
6. Nik Mat Azzizi Shaffi- Kuda Merah PDRM
vs
Samsoknoi- Garuda Satu, Besut, Terengganu
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Report from IFMA website
Malaysia the Surprise Team at Arafura Games
Malaysia hasn’t been known as a powerhouse in the sport of Muaythai but this changed at this year’s Arafura Games. The Malaysian National team was the surprise package of the competition surprising spectators with outstanding results and sportsmanship. The team won two gold medals, one silver, two Bronze and earned an award for being the most improved muaythai team.
Even the Australian team captain had to bow down to Malaysia in the Final after losing a point decision in front of a packed stadium on Thursday night. Malaysia has a great future in the sport and the world has taken note of the Malaysian Tigers.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Arafura Games
Ejo, Mohd Sukri Hasan, had to face Iranian Mohamad, in the 54kg category, pictured above.We decided let let Ejo have a go and jump 2 classes up so he would get experience in the games. The height difference was obvious but nevetheless Ejo put up a good fight. This guy is amazing. I am sure his Iranian opponent was shocked Ejo put up such a tough fight but alas the height and weight difference was just too much to overcome.
Some of Mohd Ali Yaakub's, 57kg and below, more notable rounds was against Japan's Iisaka Kazuki in the semi finals, Ali managed to control the match and knocked out Iisaka in the 3rd round. In the finals Ali came up against New Zealand's Geoff Ahipene, who put up a tougher fight than I personally expected but Ali controlled the match and in the end appeared triumphant procuring the gold medal for Malaysia.
Our Mohd Faizal Ramli, the golden elbow, was amazing. In the semi finals Faizal came up against Kota Tsujimoto in the 71kg and below category. Who would have expected that with all that padding Faizal would still managed to yet again down his opponent with a deadly elbow strike to forehead! Faizal TKOed Kota Tsujimoto of Japan in the second round. In the finals, Faizal came up against Australia's team captain Clayton Collyer,student to the famous John Wayne Parr. Here too Faizal controlled the match and won the gold for Team Malaysia.
Mohd Noramin Ibrahim,63.5kg and below, came up against Australia's Mark Crawley in the semi finals, even though Amin is new to the Malaysian Tigers Team, he really fought well and won his semi final fight against Australia's Mark Crawley. But what impressed us most was his fight against the 3 times IFMA World Champion Thailand's Panupan Tanjad, Amin held his own against Panupan and didn't appear intimidated at all and believe me, Panupan is a very intimidating fighter full of skill and confidence. Amin never gave in he kept up a good fight and we were all really proud of his performance. Even though Amin will have a long way to go to beat Panupan,I'm sure he will get there with a lot of training and dedication.
All in all, Team Muaythai Malaysia did really well, contributing 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 bronze medals to Malaysia's medal tally. That's 6 medals for 6 athletes participating! Tahniah!!!
Ali to fight in England
WMC Muay Thai against Drugs World Title.
Our next show will feature:
Andy Howson (Bad Company) v Mohd Ali Yaakub (Malaysia)(WMC Muay Thai against Drugs World Title)
Jordan Watson (Bad Company) v OUKBI Kouider (France)
Richard Cadden (Bad Company) v KONATE Ibrahim (France)
BERITA HARIAN ONLINE
SUKAN Peninju, muay thai tunjuk garang di Sukan Arafura
Oleh Shukri Matt Ali
bhsukan@bharian.com.my
PENINJU negara dan atlit muay thai negara berjaya menyumbang empat emas kepada kontinjen negara setelah menamatkan cabaran masing-masing dalam Sukan Arafura di Darwin, Australia semalam.
Peninju skuad elit Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), Eddey Kalai muncul juara kategori featherweight (57kg) selepas menumbangkan peninju tuan rumah, Brett Mather manakala sebutir emas lagi diperolehi menerusi Mohd Fuad Mohd Redhuan yang menundukkan peninju Indonesia, Frejhon Sahuleka dalam kategori light flywieght (48kg).
Perak tunggal sukan tinju disumbangkan Fernandes Paulis Payong yang tewas kepada peninju tuan rumah, Mark Pevinsky dalam saingan final kategori lightweight 60kg manakala gangsa pula diperolehi Effendy Kalai dalam bantamweight (54kg), Mohd Subrie Khamis (flyweight 54kg) dan Khir Akyazian (64A kg).
Pingat emas disumbangkan Mohd Ali Yaakub bagi kategori 57kg yang menewaskan peserta New Zealand, Geoff Ahipene manakala Mohd Faizal Ramli muncul juara kategori 91kg(sepatutnya 71kg ke bawah) ke atas selepas menumbangkan peserta tuan rumah, Clayton Collyer.
Mohd Noramin Ibrahim menyumbangkan perak selepas menjadi naib juara kategori 63.5kg, manakala gangsa diperolehi Mohd Sukri Hassan (54kg), Ismail Ramli (60kg) dan Mohd Azwan Omar (91+kg).
Dalam sukan menembak acara pistol, skuad negara memperolehi dua gangsa menerusi kategori remaja, Nee Keong Khoo dan berpasukan lelaki, Kah Hin Foo, Nee Keong Khoo, Kok Leong Cheng dan Chee Yuen Cheng.
Temasya dwitahunan Sukan Arafura yang membabitkan lebih 30 negara rantau Asia-Oceania selama seminggu itu berakhir hari ini.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Malaysian Muaythai Team-2 Golds,1 silver and 3 bronze
Bringing home 2 Gold medals, 1 silver and 3 bronzeAli and Faizal won the 2 gold medals, Amin the silver and Ejo,Mail and Azwan bronze medals.
Team Muaythai Malaysia receives the 'Most Improved Team' Award-truly an honour
The 'Most improved Team Award' was presented by the President of IFMA, Dr Sakchai Tapsuwan.
Our 2 gold medalist holding the 'Most Improved Team' award.We feel proud we helped contribute towards Malaysia's overall medal tally in the Arafura Games for more info on our medal tally- click here
I will give you a more detailed account of the games toomorrow.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Arafura Update
Above are our Muaythai Team and support staff at KLIA. Kneeling to the left and right of our flag are our referees Md Farek and Wan Azmi
The President of IFMA, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, gives our fighters a few words of encouragement.
Team Muaythai Malaysia with the rest of the Malaysian Contingent at the field outside the stadium preparing to enter.
Malaysian officials and athletes on the way into the stadium.
Our Malaysian athletes and officials who walk into the stadium are cheered on by the thousands spectators. The support from the crowd was truly awesome.
Young ladies carrying torches to light up the games.
The opening ceremony ended with a spectacular fireworks display. We all hope that this will prove an auspicious beginning in our bid for success in the games.
Today Amin 60-63.5 is will be our first fighter to enter the ring. He faces an Australian athlete today around 7pm local time.
Wish him luck!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Arafura Games
I hope to be able to share the atmosphere surrounding our fighters at this international event.
