Sporting events in Brunei Darussalam, "Abode of Peace"

2011 Brunei National Runs

2011-03-06T17:26:00.007+08:00

Youth and Sports Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports will be hosting a 2011 National Run simultaneously in four districts on Sunday, 27th march 2011.

The main aim of the national runs is to commemorate Brunei Darussalam 27th National Day with its theme, “Negaraku Brunei Darussalam” (Brunei Darussalam is My County). It is also to enhance relationships and generate integrations amongst the youth generation with various related stakeholders in the state;

It was also organized to:

• to encourage Brunei communities to practice a healthier lifestyles by participating in sporting activities and continuous leisure,
• to build up in understanding and teamwork within the communities for the sake of sports development and success for the country,
• encourage disciplines, gallantry and competitive towards Brunei national sportsmanship.

The runs will be offering 6 categories which are:

• boys aged 17 and below will runs 5 km
• girls aged 17 and above will runs 5 km
• man aged 18 and above will runs 10 km
• woman aged 18 and above will runs 10 km
• 3 man per team open will runs 10 km
• 3 woman per team open will runs 10 km

For runs to be held in the Brunei Muara district, it will start and end at the Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Park in the capital. As for Belait district, it will be held at Sungai Liang Reserve Forest, whereas for Tutong District will be held at the Persiaran Pengkalan Pinang beach. Bukit Patoi Recreational Park will be the place to be for participants in Temburong district.

Runs will be open to public in Brunei Darussalam including government agencies and private sectors, higher institutions, colleges, schools, youth and sports organizations, “mukim-mukim” (counties) and villages, and also individuals from all four districts.

Further information and participation forms can be taken at:

• Main Offices: 6th Floor, Sports Section, Youth and Sports Departments or by calling 2381905 ext 1630 or 1633,
• Brunei and Muara: Youth and Sports Department Complex’s, Youth Centre Bandar Seri Begawan, telephone numbers 2222900,
• Youth and Sports Department, Belait district branch, telephone number 3333992,
• Youth and Sports Department Tutong district branch, telephone number 4260118,
• Youth and Sports Department Temburong district branch, telephone number 5221718,

19th Mac 2011, 4pm will be the forms submission closing date. It was highly encourage that the community especially the youth to participates in the national runs.

These are some bestseller related to Brunei Darussalam:

Letter of the year

2010-11-21T18:33:00.004+08:00

Hi peeps, it has been a long time that 'kind of stop' posting an article here. Just to post it here as I find it was hilarious. Hopefully I would updated this blog wisely starting early 2011. May Allah bless me and my family as well as the country for the year to come. Stay tune to our blog and please do leave comments so that we can improve. :)

Why men love football

2010-08-18T22:01:00.003+08:00

Football league or 'soccer' in the far west, has hits the world football fan within their regions. But some nations haven't started their league due to time adjustments - may be :)

Talking about football, just out of the blue, some thoughts come up - why on earth football match was played by 11 player for each team? And the game runs for 45 minutes in the first-half and another 45 minutes after break?

Asking the old folks and even some senior football gigs around my environment, none of them came up with very good excuses :)

After few days may be weeks, I found out that there is a logical answer to this, given by yet to be known a genius mate. "this is why football matches played for 45 minutes each game and only by 11 player per team at a time...

Each team of 11 players will by nature had "two balls" and for sure all times have it throughout the games. This makes the totals "balls" from each team to 44 "balls". Each game will played with one soccer ball.

Out of this, in total makes 45 minutes for the match.

Problem solves!!!. But, in some cases, there will be an added times for 2 minutes....that "balls" belong to the game referee!!

Can't get it, post your comments below.....Im sure there is someone out there able to explain much better than I did..

Football oh football and its the end of World Cup

2010-07-12T15:07:00.004+08:00

Wake-up after what should I called as a disorganized sleep, it was one of a few stress relieve for some individual when the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa ended earlier this morning. Yes, its about World Cup and it will be one of its kind written in this blog as this sporting events is held at the other side of Brunei :).

Showcasing a final match between these edition favourites, Spain against Netherland. The game had to be carried forward to extra time after both teams failed to score a goal. But it was Andres Iniesta who breaks goal draught in the last four minutes of the extra time. The only goal also put his team, Spain as the new world cup champion as well as the first title to Spain in their FIFA history. The final game is not the best but still worth watching. From the 64 matches, Uruguay striker, Diego Forlan awarded a Golden Ball as tournament’s best player. As for the Golden Boot, belongs to the German’s, Thomas Mueller after he was selectred as he put his name to the top goalscorer of the tournaments and also selected as the top young player.

Ok back to our state sporting events. Looking at the Brunei Darussalam participations in football, it was too far to be listed in the 32 final football teams for the world cup. But what most football enthusiasts like to hear is our football association situations right now, are they already in great steps for its registrations to reinstate with FIFA?.

By the way, Brunei will resumes its football league as per last seasoned. It was heard from football fans rumors that DPMM FC will join the local league. What most interesting here will be their performances measurements alongside with the other local clubs. Why I’m talking about football here is because me, myself also getting ready for my first pitch game after almost five month football draught. Last week was my pre-pitch game with futsal fun games, and it was great fun.

Photo: Credited to http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/.

Locals Gearing Up For National Games Festival

2010-06-23T09:26:00.003+08:00

THE Brunei Darussalam sports enthusiasts once again will be entertained by the 9th National Sports Festival or "pesta sukan kebangsaan / psk" which will officially commenced on Saturday afternoon, 26th June 2010. An official opening ceremony will be held at the Indoor Stadium, Berakas. Throughtout the 9 days sports festival will entertained some 3,696 athletes (updated 21/6/2010 - 5.45pm). This festival editions also offering 28 events in total: Badminton, netball, basketball, football, softball, volleyball, chess, cue sport, futsal, golf, hockey, karate-do, cycling, lawn bowling, fencing, athletics, pencak silat, table tennis, rugby, sepak takraw, tennis, gasing, taekwando, boat racing, aquatics, tenpin bowling, squash and tug-of-war.

The sports festival will put in 214 gold medals, 214 silver medals and 278 bronze medals for grabs. There will be 654 gold medals, 654 silver medal and 763 bronze medals in total for grabs, which makes 2071 medals altogether.

There were 11 contingents to competes namely, Daerah Brunei & Muara, Daerah Belait, Daerah Tutong, Daerah Temburong, Majlis Sukan Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei, Majlis Sukan Polis Diraja Brunei, Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah, Institute Pengajian Tinggi (UBD, UNISSA & ITB), Syarikat Brunei Minyak Shell Sdn.Bhd, Syarikat Penerbangan Diraja Brunei, and Persatuan Bank-bank Brunei. This games editions also participated by two other neighborhoods, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan and Limbang.

6 graded to senior black belt

2010-04-27T10:10:00.003+08:00

Bandar Seri Begawan - Six karate exponents graduated with 2nd dan, 3rd dan and 4th dan senior black belt grading at the Shitoryu Karate Association Brunei Darussalam (Shitokai) last Sunday.

The senior black belt grading was conducted by the president of Shitokai Black Belt Council, Sihan Pg Yura Kesteria, and Shitokai chief instructor Sihan Alwie See Seng Kiat at the Busiido Dojo, Berakas,

New training grounds or 'dojo' and Shitokai school clubs will be opened to promote a strong spirit of sportsmanship in the country and to select potential athletes who may represent the nation at international sports meets, the association said.

The training grounds will train everyone for physical fitness, to learn the art of self-defence, to control the mind and spirit towards character development and to serve as a platform to train for combat.

Shitoryu style of karate is distinctive through its art of blocking to destroy the opponent's attacking motion and also stances.

Every participant must exercise self-discipline and be determined as the Shitoryu style has many kata or formations, and places strong emphasis on sparring.

The training assists to select potential athletes to represent the nation in regional or international karate competitions and to assign members for seminars or conferences to further upgrade their knowledge and quality of sportsmanship in Brunei.

Formed more than 20 years ago, the association has 210 active Shitokai members. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Futsal Tournaments

2010-04-27T09:54:00.001+08:00

Brunei Darussalam has just completed its most popular and major sports tounaments, football - the DST Group Brunei Premier League, and recently the DST Group Brunei Football League Cup.

To maintain the football spirits amongst the footies enthusiast, WUFC - a freshly formed football club, will be holding a Futsal tournament. The game is schedule to be held from the 12th April and continues to the 13th, 19th and 20th April 2010. The top three winners will be offered a handsome cash prizes with trophies.

But the tournament is only limited to 40 teams as for the start. Registration forms can be obtained from Gillsport (Kiulap & Batu Satu), Asmin Enterprise (Delima Satu) as well as from Ridah (Kiulap).

All tournaments will be held at The Public Works Department Hangar Hall (JKR), Old Airport, Berakas.

For more details, individual may contact Mago (8986595), Kaz (8663002) or Aboh (8888858).

Brunei With FIFA In 2013???

2010-02-06T13:52:00.002+08:00

How true is that Brunei Darussalam has been said suspended by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) from international competitions until June 2013. This topic was raised by one of the local newspaper yesterday dated 5th February 2010.

They also refer this matter from the Brunei DPMM FC official website. But it was said that when the team manager of DPMM FC Pg Hj Muhd Waslimin bin PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin was contacted, they have no rigid answer and comments to the said matter yet.

This is one of the written conversations, “there is no black and white from the world governing body saying that Brunei Darussalam or DPMM FC is suspended from any international competitions until the said date,” Pengiran Haji Muhd Waslimin said. He said the team management is still awaiting verdict on until when the country or club is stopped from joining internationals. We hope that this matter will be solved very soon,” Pg Muhd Waslimin added.

The sultanate football was in shocked late last year after FIFA announced the suspension of The Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) due to the government interference in its affairs.

It was started from a decision by the Brunei authorities to put down BAFA and replaced by FFBD since December two years ago.

The suspension put Brunei and its domestic football clubs to cancel any participation in international competitions, to include DPMM FC challanges in the S-League. The hope for the Brunei football to shine is only when BAFA is lifted and reinstated by the state government, otherwise domestic level is the only Brunei footballer showcase.

Shot in the arm for sports medicine

2010-01-19T15:48:00.004+08:00

SPORTS medicine in the country is set to get a shot in the arm with the 2nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sports Medicine Course.

The four-day event at a hotel in the capital kicked off yesterday with the aim of providing participants the opportunity to better understand the basic principles and concepts underlying sports medicine and sports science.

Organised by the Department of Youth and Sports and the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BNOC), the course’s objectives are to raise the awareness of local sports personnel and athletes in the fields of athletic training, doping control, exercise, physical therapy and sports trauma.

The President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BNOC) His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah officially declared the course open.

Twenty papers will be delivered by seven authorities from Asia over the duration of the course, with a workshop on first aid and resuscitation on Thursday afternoon marking the event’s climax.

This year marks the second time that Brunei has been given the privilege to host the event, the first being in 1998.

Conducted under the auspices of the IOC Medical Commission and funded by the Olympic Solidarity, 300 participants comprising members of the local and foreign medical profession and sporting fraternity are attending the course.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Medical Commission of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said that the response for the course was better than expected.

“I am thoroughly impressed with the turnout,” said Datuk Dr M Jegathesan, who is on the panel of speakers.

“One of the key elements in deciding which country should host the course was a previous track record, and we were happy with Brunei’s efforts during the first course.

“The purpose of this course is to impart knowledge in sports science to all here, and we hope to extend its critical mass (of knowledge),” added the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).

Other speakers include Maj Gen Dr C Thurairaja, Datuk Dr Ramlan Abd Aziz, Professor Sukadiyanto and Dr Nazar Luqman Bilgrami.

Dr Hj Danish Zaheer, Head of Sports Medicine and Research Centre under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports will be delivering three papers and Brunei’s Ilham Hj Mohd Ali will deliver a paper on “Nutrition for Elite Athletes” tomorrow.

Adviser to the Medical Committee of the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) and Honorary Medical Adviser of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Datuk Dr M Jegathesan presented papers on the Olympic Movement Medical Code, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Standards and WADA Anti-Doping Code 2009 yesterday.

Maj Gen Dr C Thurairaja talked about “Pre-Sports Participation Examination” while Professor Sukadiyanto gave an overview of Sports Psychology.

It will be a busy day for participants today with seven papers set to be delivered; “Adolescent and Children in Sports”, “Elite Athlete Training Principles”, “Pre-Competition Routines in Sports”, “Principles of Sports Injury Rehabilitation”, “Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sports”, “Sports Biomechanics and Performance”, and lastly, “Sudden Cardiovascular Death in Sports”.

Tomorrow’s focus will be on “Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Knee Deficit in Women”, “Goal-Setting Techniques in Sports”, “Health Consequence of Doping and Nutrition for Elite Athletes”.

A workshop on taping is also in the programme.

Talks on “Fieldside Assessment of Injuries”, “International Development in Sports Science and Physical Education”, “Stress Management in Sports and Women in Sports” will be delivered on Thursday. Courtesy of BruneiTimes

Asia beat Europe in 9-Ball tournament

2010-01-18T10:13:00.002+08:00

Asia vs Europe Men’s 9-Ball Team Challenge 2010 came to an end last night after the three days events held at the Rizqun International Hotel.

Captained by Ralf Souquet, nicknamed ‘The Kaiser’ and ‘The Surgeon’, European team turned down by Asia Team 9-ball team in the final match by five frame to two.

The last match saw Django Bustamante of the Philippines securing the 9-ball title to beat Nick Van Den Berg of Holland.

The Team Champion received US$27,000, whilist the Team Runner Up bagged US$13,000. The Single Match Winner will bring home US$ 5,000.

MUSCB membership is up now

2010-01-18T09:16:00.003+08:00

For an amount of $5 annually and $80 per season, Bruneian Manchester United Supporters can now merged in one roof...The Manchester United Supporters Club Brunei (MUSCB).

MUSC is currently on a membership registration drive where members entitled to purchase the official member club wear at a discounted price.

Registration forms can be obtained from Safari Bistro restaurant in Kiulap or downloaded from their Facebook fanpage ‘Manchester United Supporters Club (Brunei) – Facebook Group’.

Submit completed forms to Muhammad Syazni (8168450) for those residing in the Belait district or Siti Rahmadiatul (8632492) for those in Tutong.

Interested members in the Brunei Muara district can contact Sarimah (8142779), Farryzul (8819600) or Rabbani (8135556).

Supporters can view its official website at http://www.manutdbrunei.com or send an e-mail to manutdbrunei@gmail.com.

Prince Malik officiates 9-Ball Team Challenge

2010-01-16T21:46:00.001+08:00

HIS Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik yesterday (15 January 2009) officiated the first ever Asia Vs Europe Men’s 9-Ball Team Challenge 2010 that is currently being held at the Rizqun International Hotel.

Organised by the Brunei Cue Sports Association with the support of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Department of Youth and Sports and sponsored by GHK Motors Sdn Bhd, the event is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union and the European Pocket Billiard Federation. The championship has attracted top professional 9-ball players from Europe and Asia who will be battling to prove which team is the best.

Ralf Souquet, ranked world Not is leading a contingent of four European members – Darren Appleton and Imran Majid from Great Britain, Ruslan Chinahov from Russia, Nick Van Den Berg from Holand against the likes of Efren “Bata” Reyes the magician, Francisco Bustamante, Ko Pin-Yi and Lu Hui Chan both from Chinese Taipei and Brunei own Teo Chee Soon of Team Asia.

Dato Paduka Haji Jemat bin Hj Ampal, the co-chairman of the organising committee and President of Brunei Cue Sports Association (BCSA) in his welcoming remark said, “We are honoured and very proud to organise the first ever world class 9-ball continental team event where five world top ranking professional players from Europe and five top ranking players have been invited to represent each region in the Asia VS Europe 9-ball team challenge 2010.”

He expressed, “It is hoped that the tournament will give the opportunity for the people of Brunei Darussalam especially young pool players and enthusiasts to see the great players in action and be inspired by them.
“Besides fostering closer friendship, the tournament between Asian and European players is also aimed at upgrading the level of professionalism in Cue Sports in the country. The involvement of our local referees, technical staff and volunteers in the tournament will certainly be of great benefit and a valuable experience,” he added.

Dato Paduka Haji Jemat also highlighted “It is hoped that Brunei’s only player in the prestigious tournament will gain some game experience from other professional players. It is also hoped that tournament such as this would further attract more of our youths to participate in Cue Sports, not only for recreational purposes but also to be competitive.”

After the speech, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik officiated the championship with a break shot, followed by the introduction to the participating players and receiving a pesambah from Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Goh King Chin.

Following a short break, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik also witnessed the first match up of the championship between Team Asia represented by Ko Pin-Yi and Lu Hui Chan who faced Ruslan Chinahov and Nick Van Den Berg of Team Europe. Team Asia won easily with a score line of 5-1. Photo courtesy of infofoto

Asia vs Europe 9-Ball Team Challange

2010-01-14T10:33:00.002+08:00

THE Asia versus Europe Men’s 9-Ball Team Challenge will be held at Sutra Hall, Rizqun International Hotel from Jan 15-17.

This event is co-organised by the Brunei Darussalam Cue Sports Association supported by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports and sponsored by GHK Motors Sdn Bhd.

The event is sanctioned by Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF)

A total of US$45,000 prize money will be up for grabs with the team champion getting US$27,000, team runner-up (US$13,000), single match winner US$5,000 and US$500 per match. There will be 10 matches throughout the 3 days event.

The Asian team players will comprise of Teo Chee Soon (Brunei Darussalam), Ko Pin Yi (Taiwan), Lu Hui Chan (Taiwan), Efren Reyes (Philippines) and Francisco Bustamante (Philippines).

The European team players are Ko Ralf Souquet (Germany), Niels Feijen (Holland), Imran Majid (Great Britain), Darren Appleton (Great Britain) and Ruslan Chinahov (Russia).

Teo Chee Soon of Brunei Darussalam is currently ranked No 50 in APBU ranking (Nov 2009) and ranked No 2 in Brunei National Pool Ranking.

Ko Pin Yi from Taipei City whose nickname is Prince of Pool is currently ranked No 1 in APBU ranking (Nov 2009) and No 11 in world ranking (Oct 2009) while compatriot Lu Hui Chan nicknamed Whirlwind Kid is currently ranked No 10 in APBU (Nov 2009) and No 15 in the world (Oct 2009).

`The Magician’ Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes from the Philippines is currently ranked No 15 in APBU (March 2009) and No 122 in the world (May 2009) while Francisco Bustamante nicknamed Django is currently ranked No 32 in APBU (March 2009) and also No 32 in the world ranking (May 2009).

Ko Ralf Souguet of Germany nicknamed The Kaiser and The Surgeon is currently ranked No 1 in Europe (Oct 2009) and also No 1 in world ranking (Oct 2009) while Niels Feijen of Holland nicknamed The Terminator is currently ranked No 2 in Europe (Oct 2009) and No 3 in world ranking (Oct 2009).

Ruslan Chinahov of Russia is currently ranked No 19 in Europe (Oct 2009) and No 31 in the world ranking (Oct 2009).

In conjunction to this events, public is more welcome to see the competitions for free.

FIFA eye on FFBD or BAFA

2010-01-05T23:25:00.004+08:00

Brunei Darussalam football enthusiasts is expected to roar again locally and abroad, when DPMM FC have offered an opportunity to compete in the upcoming season of the Singapore League (S-League) by Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

DPMM FC participation for the S-League new season which was schedule to start next month is yet to be confirmed by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) authoriasations.

DPMM FC were dropped from the tournament after FIFA banned Brunei football clubs to play international football after Brunei Registrar of Societies deregistered BAFA on 15 November 2008 and failed to appeal after one month notice.

Since then, Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD) was born on 26 November 2008 and being the new national football body, but was then not recognised by FIFA.

According to FIFA, BAFA was suspended due to government interference in its affairs before FFBD took place.

Should the authorities reinstate BAFA by 7 January, DPMM FC will be back on track for the title run as per deadline given by FAS before DPMM FC can participate.

Becoming one of the top three club in the S-League tables throughout their tournament periods, DPMM FC won Brunei football fans hearts when they won the Singapore League Cup in June last year, putting down SAF FC in the final. DPMM FC also remarked a clean record playing at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Brunei 25th SEA Games welcomed as HERO

2009-12-22T10:51:00.001+08:00

Brunei Darussalam 25th SEA Games contingent came home last night as a hero. From the 9 days event, Brunei contingents bagged 10 medals overall one gold, one silver and eight bronze medals.

The only gold medal for the sultanate's came from Hj Md Khairul Bahrin Hj Duraman at the men's tunggal event.

Whilst the only silver came from wushu women's Duilian (doubles broadsword and spear), coming from Faustina Woo Wai Sii and Lee Ying Shi event.

The bronze medals, meanwhile, came from karate-do (four), silat (three) and wushu (one).

Brunei athletes arrival at the Brunei International Airport in Berakas were greeted by their family and SEA Games officials.

Brunei confirmed to competes in Tennis Davis Cup

2009-12-20T08:18:00.004+08:00

After hosting Group 5 of the Davis Cup last April, the Brunei Darussalam Tennis Association (BDTA) has confirmed their participation for next year events which will be held at Jordan. Four Bruneians will compete in the 2010 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group 4 schedule in 19th April.

This will be the major comeback for BDTA's after 10 years draught for the tournament. Asher Khan and Hanadi Hambali will showcase their best at singles competitions while doubles categories by Abd Hamizan Abd Hamid and his partner Mohaimin Hj Awang.

Sixty registered player will represents 11 nations for the tournament. Ten other countries were Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Myanmar, Qatar, Singapore, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, UAE and Yemen.

IOC Award for Laos as gracious hosts of 25th SEA Games

2009-12-19T23:16:00.006+08:00

Laos gained further recognition as gracious hosts of the 25th SEA Games when the International Olympic Council awarded the nation with the President's Trophy to the Standing Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic His Excellency Somsavat Lengsavad. Somsavat is also the chairman of the 25th South East Asian Games Organizing Committee, and who received the award from the vice-president of the IOC, Ng Ser Miang on behalf of IOC president Jacques Rogge.

"In recognition of your outstanding effort in the promotion of sport in Laos, your bringing Southeast Asian athletes to share a unique experience of the Games in Vientiane, and for fulfilling the Olympic ideals as expounded by Pierre de Coubertin, the founding father of the modern Olympic Games, the IOC awards you the International Olympic Committee President's Trophy," said Ng.

"On behalf of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family congratulate the Lao People's Democratic Republic for hosting the South East Asian Games for the very first time. You have organized excellent Games and extended your warm and wonderful hospitality and friendship to all the participants and visitors to the Games.

"To each and every one of the 3100 athletes from the 11 SEA Games countries, you have competed, lived and embraced the Olympic values of "Excellence, Friendship and Respect". Congratulations on your outstanding performances.

"On behalf of the International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, I have the privilege of honouring the Government and the people of Lao People's Democratic Republic and the man responsible for organizing the Games, His Excellency Somsavat Lengsavad, Standing Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 25th South East Asian Games."

Over the past three years, Laos have worked tirelessly to fulfil the Government's vision to promote sport among the people of the country, hence contributing to building a peaceful and better world through the practice of sport in the Olympic spirit. Sport is after all the only language understood by everyone, and an important element that unites people and the Laos government took on the challenge to host the 25th SEA Games and successfully transformed the sporting landscape of the country.

The Sports Complex at Km16 with its magnificent main stadium, aquatic centre, shooting range, tennis courts and competition halls, amongst the other outstanding facilities spread over Vientiane such as the SEA Games Golf Course and the Judo Hall are among the best found in the region.

"Excellency, your personal interest and attention in the organization of the Games have resulted in the most successful Games, not only in terms of the excellent organization and outstanding hospitality, but also in the remarkable performances from the Laos athletes. The Laos athletes achieved a record total of 33 gold medals, 25 silver and 52 bronze medals to finish seventh overall," he added.

The Laos People's Democratic Republic now joins the list of countries that have successfully hosted the South East Asian Games. In his keynote address during the closing ceremony of the 25th edition of the SEA Games last night, His Excellency Bouasone Bouphavanh, the Prime Minister of the Laos said that Laos faced some difficulties in preparing for the Games.

"But as a member of ASEAN, we are committed to putting on the best Games we can. We, the Organizing Committee, contributed out best effort in every aspect to ensure that these SEA Games embody the Games' philosophy of cooperation, friendship and mutual development," added Bouasone.

"This is an opportunity for national economic and social development that will contribute to the preservation of our national culture and is a wonderful chance to show the world out beloved country which holds dear the sentiment of the Games motto: Generosity, Amity, Healthy Lifestyle." Courtesy of ICT Committee.

Brilliant Malaysian football team showcase for gold medal

2009-12-18T00:38:00.003+08:00

Malaysia have beaten Vietnam 1-0 in the Laos capital of Vientiane to take their first gold in the 25th Southeast Asian Games after 20 years draught.

Vietnam, who had beaten Malaysia in the group stages, Failed to convert their dominance to lead the game in the first half. Malaysia, superior in the second period, scored with just six minutes to go. Under pressure from Malaysia's Talaha Norshahrul Idlan, Vietnam's Mai Xuan Hop could only divert the ball into his own net and his side were unable to find an equaliser in the time remaining.

Both teams struggled to find their fluency in a scrappy opening spell although as the half wore on Vietnam started to enjoy more of the possession. They went close on 25 minutes with a header well saved by Malaysia's Mohamad Sharbinee Allawee but failed to create many clear openings in a stadium filled with thousands of Vietnam supporters clad in red t-shirts.

In the second half Malaysia threatened much more, particularly on the counter-attack. Saarani Ahmad Fakri missed a good chance with his head at the near post after a cross by Idlan. Four minutes later they had a shot cleared off the line. Zaquan Adha burst through the middle just after coming on as a substitute in the 69th minute but could not finish.

Urged on by their fanatical supporters, Vietnam continued to push forward but left themselves exposed to quick breakaways and eventually paid the price.Photo credited to afp.

Barcelona beat Atlante 3-1 for world cup final spot

2009-12-18T00:19:00.003+08:00

A Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona entered the final of the Club World Cup with a 3-1 win over Mexican Club Atlante in the semifinal at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night.

Watched on by a capacity pro-Barcelona crowd totalling 40,952, the UEFA Champions League winners rallied from a goal down to beat the CONCACAF Champions Cup winners.

Barcelona will take on Copa Libertadores winners Estudiantes in the final on December 19. Atlante FC will meet Pohang Steelers in the play-off for third place on the same day.

The Catalans who had lost their way a bit in the first half and had levelled through Sergio Busquets, had to rely on the ‘Messi Magic’ to take them through. Messi came off the bench in the 55th minute and scored in the same minute to pilot the Spanish giants home.

Sergio Busquets scored in the 35th minute, Lionel Messi scored in the 55th minute and Pedro rounded it off in the 67th minute. Guillermo Rojas scored in the fifth minute for Atlante.

Despite the packed Stadium rooting for the Spanish giants, the small boys from Mexico were fired up for the game. Their forwards were menacing, the midfield controlled the game and the defence stood up well to the Barcelona forwards.

In fact, they scored off their first foray in just the fifth minute of play after the Barcelona defence lay in tatters. Midfielder Guillermo Rojas made a fine interception of a long ball in and Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes charged out of his citadel. And despite defender Dani Alves tailing him, Rojas had the legs over him and nudged his left-footer into goal.

Barca threatened two minutes later but only just as Sergio Busquets’s dangerous header off a Xavi corner was collected by goalkeeper and captain  Federico Vilar.

Barcelona defender Dani Alves received a yellow card for a foul on old rival Santiago Solari. The lanky Solari has played for Real Madrid in the  Spanish League.

The Barcelona defence was all over the place again and Fernando Navarro could have got Atlante’s second just five minutes after the opening goal. Navarro slipped through the Barca defence and had just the goalkeeper Victor Valdes to beat but captain Carles Puyol, who tailed him, made contact just at the nick of time and deflected the ball away.

Stung by the early reverse, Barcelona hit their strides and almost got the equaliser in the 26th minute but their charismatic playmaker Andre Iniesta’s swerving left-footer sailed over the cross bar.

Later, in the 33rd minute, the rocker-looking Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who moved from Italian club Inter Milan this season, fired a threatening free kick just over the cross bar.

But they didn’t have to wait long for the equaliser as Sergio Busquets drew level for Barca just after the half hour mark. The unmarked Busquets drove his grounder home from a Yaya Toure header off a Xavi corner in the  35th minute.

The Catalans could have gone into the break 2-1 but Dani Alves, who charged down the right flank, muffed his shot when he just had the goalkeeper to beat. The Brazilian sent his shot wide of  the post.

The whole stadium erupted with chants of “Messi, Messi” in the 55th minute as coach Pep Guardiola brought in the Argentine ace in place of Yaya Toure. He made a double substitution bringing on Gerard Pique for  Rafael Marquez.

And Messi, who was a doubtful starter for the game because of an ankle injury sustained during their Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev last Wednesday, responded by doubling the lead off his first touch on the ball in the very same minute he came on.

The European Footballer of the Year sent it home from close range after being put in by Iniesta. And despite the goalkeeper Federico Velar getting a bit of hand on it, the ball rolled in.

Messi’s arrival sparked Barca’s revival and they were in the zone now and scored a third through Pedro in the 67th minute after some neat groundwork by playmaker Iniesta.

Atlante could had reduced the deficit but Rafael Marquez’s shot was averted by goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the 76th minute. Photo credited to gettyimage.

'Jabulani' the most complex Adidas production

2009-12-15T11:18:00.010+08:00

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) recently revealed the latest addidas soccer ball production and it was specially designed for the World Cup 2010, ‘Jabulani’.

What makes this 11th ball generations special is the South African concept in its design. In addition, the ball designed used the latest and precise designing technology which makes it the most accurate round shape soccer ball, said as the best in soccer ball making history.

Jabulani simply means ‘to celebrate’ in Zulu language. The ball comes with 11 different colours to represents 11 players for each football team and also to highlights 11 different language that are widely used in South Africa. The colourfull stripes also represents the heritage of African nations culture.

Furthermore, Jabulani was the 11th Adidas soccer ball production for the FIFA World Cup competitions since 1970.

The outcome from the ball testing prior its official announcement as world cup 2010 soccer ball, Jabulani was said to have an increased of 5% in its speed when kicked from a range of 20 meters. The test was taken at above 1000 meter above sea level and calculated with a maximum speed of 126km/hour. This test was taken due to most of the game venue were more than 1000 meters above sea level. At sea level, the maximum tested speed was 120km/hr.

Every production, adidas was recorded to produce a much faster ball leaving any goal keeper with no choice but to maximize their reaction speed. Most of the greatest footballer did amazed with the new soccer ball and can't wait to test it on the ground.

Brunei with first 25th SEA Games gold medal

2009-12-14T16:02:00.003+08:00

Brunei Darussalam contingent now added its medal tally collection with first gold medal through Pencak Silat Men’s Tunggal event in the 25th SEA Games Laos. Haji Md Khairul Bahrin Haji Duraman easily became Brunei hero with the first gold from 28 other athletes for the sultanates.

Meanwhile on day four of the competitions, Brunei bagged 3 more medals. Brunei women’s karate-do veteran, Masdiana Haji Tengah who competes in the 50kg and below finished with bronze.

In the women’s Wushu Duilian category, Brunei athletes Faustina Woo Wai and partner, Lee Ying Shi scooped first silver medal for the sultanate’s. Meanwhile also in the Wushu Men Duilian with weapon category, a twin brother Isa bin Bismi and Ismi bin Bismi won the bronze medal.

Mukim Tutong shine at Tutong Carnival 2009

2009-12-14T15:41:00.001+08:00

Whilst more people pays attention to the 25th SEA Games in Laos, Seri Kenangan beach in Tutong remain one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations, when Tutong Beach Sports Carnival 2009 was held yesterday. The events was organised by the Tutong District Youth & Sports Department.

The “fun day” participated by four “mukims” from Tutong district, Mukim Keriam, Mukim Kiudang, Mukim Ukong and Mukim Telisai. A fully stretched day events provides fun competitive individual and group games such as tug-of-war, strongest men, bottle fishing, beach soccer match, beach sepak takraw and many more.

Strengthening the relationships amongst the Tutong populations was the major aims for this sports event. The final event from yesterday fun day was the prize presentations to the winners for each individual and group participation. Mukim Kiudang teams bring home the title with 115 points. Meanwhile Mukim Keriam and Mukim Ukong finished second and third respectively with 104 points and 94 points.

Present as the guest of honour was acting Tutong district officer, Awang Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu.

3 Bronze's for Brunei in the 25th SEA Games

2009-12-12T11:25:00.003+08:00

Three days after an official launching of the 25th Sea Games competitions, Brunei Darussalam now can be seen in the medals table after scooping three bronze medals through karate-do events.

Men's kumite 84 kg and above categories specialist, Mohammad Jamil Haji Abdul Hamid became the first sultanate's athlete to claim the first bronze medal after stamping over Thailand's Santi Ruema 7-2.

In the men's kumite 67 kg and below, Mohammad Fadillah Sanif secure its podium place for Brunei's second bronze yesterday after outclassed Sovan Kiri 9-1 from Cambodia.

Another Cambodian athlete, Eng Kakada became the next victims to the sultanate's new comers to represents Brunei National teams, Mainudin Haji Mohammad in the men's 84 kg and below events. With style, Mainuddin won the fight by 11-3 to made 3 bronze for Brunei in day three of the competitions.

While in the women's 55kg and below category, Dayangku Nurleha binte Pengiran Abdul Rahman who is also her first appearance in SEA Games failed her bid for podium finish.

In the day four of the competitions today, Brunei's martial arts participations in karate-do and taekwando events will be hoping for another medals collections to see four more categories. Womens veteran Masdiana Haji Tengah will competes in 50kg and below category, Mohammad Fadillah in the men's 67kg and below category, Mohd Fida'iy Haji Sanif in the men's 60kg and below category and Haji Eddie Jofriani Haji Johari in the men's 55kg and below category.

Whilst Brunei's only representatives in taekwando quarter-finals events, Mohd Fathullah Mohd Taib will be also competing today in the finweight division against Tan Junwei from Singapore.

Crowned Prince participate Cue events

2009-12-09T10:13:00.001+08:00

Brunei Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah has been a pool enthusiasts for long already and will be participating the 25th SEA Games in Laos. The Crowned Prince presents will be not as a spectator, but as one of the 39 Brunei's best athletes sent to take part in the 9-Ball Pool men’s singles and men’s Doubles event.

Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah will pair up with Teo Chee Soon in the men’s Doubles events, which will begin on December 10-12 at the Convention Hall Don Chan Palace Hotel. Whilst the individual event will take place on December 15-16 at the same palce.

Previously, Brunei's Crown Prince Muhtadee Billah looks over a shot during the fifth round match in the men's eight ball pool at the Southeast-Asian (SEA) Games in Nakhon Ratchasima December 10 of the Sea Games 2007 drama. At the last SEA Games in Korat, Brunei contingent only managed to grab a gold medals.

In this 25th episode, Billiards will be one of the seven events which Brunei will be participating in this SEA Games along with Karatedo, Pencak Silat, Athletics, Sepak Takraw, Taekwando and Wushu. Photo credit to Reuters

FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

2009-12-05T22:31:00.001+08:00

Less than a year, football sport followers will be entertained with the most awaited football competitions in the planet. Held every four years and contested amongst the 32 best men's football national teams from around the world meets for the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The competitions will be only unique to the registered teams to Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body.

The main phase or so called the World Cup Finals only lasted for a month. What makes it more awarded would be the qualification phase or process lasted for three years before they can be included within the last 32 teams for the final spot.

Well known as World Cup or FIFA World Cup, it is believe to be the most widely-viewing sporting event in the planet. An estimated of more than 700 million people watched the 2006 final match, that far more than the number of individuals watching Olympic Games. For those who purchased the world cup 2010 tickets would be proud to have it and bon voyage for the South Africa trip where it will be held between 11 june and 11 july 2010.

Yesterday (5th December 2009) remarks the next year's world cup finals to make-up the eight groups held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa - the first step for the decider match to qualify for the top 16. Here are the results of yesterday's draw:-

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay & France

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea & Greece

Group C: England, United States of America, Algeria & Slovenia

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia & Ghana

Group E: The Netherlands, Denmark, Japan & Cameroon

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand & Slovakia

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast & Portugal

Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras & Chile

Also present to helps the Final Draw on the stage is the South African President Jacob Zuma, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, Ethiopian athelete Haile Gebrselassie, England's David Beckham and the South African actress Charlize Theron. Presents for the draws is each team coaches except Diego Maradona after banned by FIFA to attend the draw and some other football related as well as FIFA officials.

The finals will get underway on the schedule date with the host nation, South Africa facing Mexico at Soccer City. The Johannesburg stadium also hosted the final on 11 July 2009.
p/s: Ball photo credit to fifa.com.