KUALA LUMPUR — Christmas has arrived, filling Malaysia with festive cheer and a sense of reflection. Amid the celebrations, national sports figures took a moment to share their aspirations for the year ahead.
It was a season of joy, but also an opportunity to look forward with hope and purpose. From football fields to badminton courts, hockey turfs to lawn bowls greens, each voice carried a vision of growth and success for Malaysian sports.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin began with a heartfelt message: “Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends. My wish is to see Harimau Malaya grow stronger next year, and for unity among stakeholders to drive Malaysian football forward.”
From badminton, Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky shared his vision: “My wish is for the singles department to reach the next level in 2025. We need to work harder to achieve better results than this year.”
Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz expressed his hopes: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I wish 2025 to be a breakthrough year for our athletes as we prepare for the Asian Lawn Bowls Championship and World Cup. Let’s also aim to include lawn bowls in the Podium Programme for long-term success.”
Former karate star R. Sharmendran, who was recently appointed as the head coach of the national karate squad, kept his focus sharp: “2024 has been a great year, but I wish to see more national athletes ready for the 2025 SEA Games and 2026 Asian Games.”
From the hockey turf, former national hockey legend Kevinder Singh sent his support: “Merry Christmas to all hockey enthusiasts! Let’s hope coach Sarjit Singh leads the team to success, and with Sohail Abbas’s guidance, 2025 can be a great year for Malaysian hockey.”
Meanwhile, Sports Commissioner Suhardi Alias added his wishes for progress: “Happy holidays to all. My hope is for National Sports Associations to embrace better governance and invest in capacity building for the future of Malaysian sports.”
Finally, international football coach Petar Segrt sent greetings from afar: “Merry Christmas to everyone! My wish is for peace, health, and a chance to coach another national team, similar to my days in Tajikistan, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. Many regards to my friends in Malaysia and Indonesia.”
As the year came to a close, these wishes reflected not just aspirations for medals, but a collective hope for unity, growth, and a brighter future for Malaysian sports. — December 25, 2025