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AFTNews

Award-Winning Triathlon Is Back to Host 2020’s First Qualifier Series – BCA Super League Triathlon Bali 2020

Pro Triathlon series to take place in Bali, Indonesia on 3 – 5 April 2020

Bali will once again be the focus of sports enthusiasts for the annual BCA Super League Triathlon Bali 2020 qualifier series. Kicking off on the 3rd of April, 2020 at the picturesque grounds of Ayodya Resort, Super League Triathlon (SLT) will be putting some of the world’s best elite athletes through the ultimate physical test.

Ranked as one of the top island destinations in the world, athletes can look forward to experiencing sun-drenched stretches of pristine sand, clear blue waters, lush tropical forests and majestic volcanoes as they push their bodies to their sporting limits while vying for a coveted entry into the SLT Championship Series, the richest and highest profile race season in the sport, with only three spots on offer for men and three for women.

The triathlon includes a 1.6km run

BCA Super League Triathlon Bali 2020 will offer both the Pros and amateur participants a varied and challenging racecourse through lush tropics with wet, hilly and demanding terrain unlike any other. The Pro course will follow the famous Enduro format with three continuous rounds of a 300m swim, followed by a 4km ride and then a 1.6km run.

SLT co-founder and four-time Triathlon World Champion Chris McCormack said: “Super League has reinvented the sport of triathlon, positioning it to the modern-day consumer with formats that are sporty and entertaining while ensuring the program is environmentally sustainable. Our format enables us to operate in an 800-meter loop so we can operate without disrupting the activity of the community. This has made us accessible to all ages and sporting levels. We are proud to bring triathlon to the masses.”

Super League Triathlon Singapore/Bali 2019 was recently awarded the title ‘Best Inaugural Race: Short Course’ by AsiaTRI.com as SLT pushes the sport out of the shadows of niche play and into the realm of a genuine global sports entertainment property. 

Santoso, Director of Bank Central Asia Bank (BCA) said: “We are very glad to be collaborating with Super League Triathlon once again – an event that attracts athletes and sports lovers in Indonesia. Besides increasing the awareness of active living and highlighting the dedication it takes to be a great athlete, the introduction of BCA Super League Triathlon Bali  is a great platform to unit local and international athletes and sports lovers alike.” 

As a brand that champions and promotes healthy lifestyle, Super League is more than a Pro-racing platform, offering activities for a wider sporting community. Aspiring triathletes can sign up to take part in either a Sprint distance race of 700m swim, 20km bike and a 5km run or the incredible Enduro with two continuous rounds of 350m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run. Both events are also available to race as part of a team with a relay option. Athletes can also enter Fun Runs over 2.5km, 5km and 10km, as well as a ‘Splash and Dash’ for kids, making it an epic weekend not to be missed!

The BCA Super League Triathlon also has a Fun Run of over 2.5km, 5km and 10km

Participants can sign up at https://superleaguetriathlon.com/event/slt-qualifier-bali-420/.  BCA card holders enjoy a special 30% discount upon sign up.

See below for the event schedule.

FRIDAY 3 APRIL

1500: QUALIFIER SERIES, PRO WOMEN

1630: QUALIFIER SERIES, PRO MEN

SATURDAY 4 APRIL

0630: BCA SUPER LEAGUE RUN 10KM

0730: BCA SUPER LEAGUE RUN 2.5KM

0800: BCA SUPER LEAGUE RUN 5KM

0900: BCA SUPER IDS SPLASH & DASH RACE

1200: QUALIFIER SERIES, PRO WOMEN

1300: QUALIFIER SERIES, PRO MEN

SUNDAY 5 APRIL

0700: BCA SUPER LEAGUE SPRINT TRIATHLON

0730: BCA SUPER LEAGUE ENDURO TRIATHLON

1030: AWARD CEREMONY

AFT Features, AFT Interviews, AFTNews, Sport

Lee Xin Ni: Malaysian Table Tennis Fireball

If you met Lee Xin Ni at a mall, you’ll be forgiven for thinking this 13 year old is a pushover. Shy in demeanor, she obviously doesn’t speak much but when she does, it hits the ball (pun intended).

Although she is yet a household name, Xin Ni was in the sports spotlight when she won her third singles match over Poland at the 2019 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cadet Challenge. Her win meant the Hopes Team, that she was part of, went into the Finals to meet Team Europe.

Lee Xin Ni (1st from Right) with her ITTF Teammates with their Silver medals. Photo courtesy of TTAM

Meanwhile, she won the bronze medal for mixed doubles with 16 year old partner Choong Javen at the 56th Malaysia Open Table Tennis Tournament held in December 2019.

So what makes Xin Ni tick?

She lives with the mottos, “Have a dream” and “Work Hard”.  And she does work hard indeed! Practicing six to seven days a week, her training begins at 5pm. She says she begins by stretching for about 15 minutes then move on to warming up with some table tennis with her sparring partner or senior players. After that is 1.5 hours of drill practice where her coaches will help her improve her technique. Next, she plays some matches before cooling down.

But the sacrifices are worth it. As of our interview, Xin Ni has visited no less than 12 countries and met friends from around the world, all thanks to table tennis She also enjoys being able to try the different cuisine each country offers.  

But her mind is not always on food though. Just like every professional athlete, she always prepares herself before going for a tournament.            Aside from setting a personal goal, she also will take the time to study her opponents.

Shy and sweet, Lee Xin Ni is a smash on the table tennis circuit

She takes competing seriously because she “enjoys the fighting process.”

Lee Xin Ni started playing table tennis at the age of six with the encouragement of her mother who used to play table tennis for her school. When asked if she considers table tennis a physical exercise, she replies, “Yes, because it can improve your speed, response, eyesight, judgment, and determination.”

So what’s next for this fireball? Hopefully we will see more of Lee Xin Ni in the near future and who knows, she may be competing in the Olympics in the near future!

Asia Fitness Today’s interview with Lee Xin Ni was held at the Table Tennis Association of Malaysia and was conducted by our intern, Dany Haiqal.

AFTNews, Rugby

Statement on behalf of independent World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont

It has been confirmed that independent World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont will be running for re-election as Chairman in the upcoming in May. Below is the statement released on his behalf by World Rugby.

Having consulted with my union and region colleagues and my family, I can confirm that I will be seeking re-election as World Rugby Chairman at the Council meeting in May.

I will be standing with Fédération Française de Rugby President Bernard Laporte as my candidate for Vice-Chairman.

Bernard is a great servant of the game and shares my vision for a strong, sustainable and inclusive game that provides even greater opportunity for expansion and growth.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this four-year term and have always sought to lead for the global game, not the few, by engaging with all levels of our sport to understand what really matters to our unions, players, fans, broadcasters and commercial partners.

Through this spirit of engagement and partnership, collectively we have achieved a great deal and I would like to thank the World Rugby membership for their commitment to taking a global perspective, enabling us to:

  • Deliver a truly game-changing and record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2019 igniting rugby growth in Asia, a special Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017, an innovative Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 and a fantastic Olympic Games debut
  • Fuel record participation and rapid fan growth driven by young people, largely female, in emerging rugby markets
  • Put player welfare at the heart of all our decisions, implementing an evidence-based approach to stabilize injuries and reduce concussion risk in the game
  • Implement historic governance reform, delivering an agile, fit-for-purpose decision-making structure, furthering the role and contribution of women on Council and across our committees
  • Launch our ambitious 2017-25 Women’s Plan, driving forward new and meaningful competition, commercial, participation, profile and leadership opportunities
  • Reform our eligibility rules for international representation, protecting the integrity of the test environment

Serving the game is a privilege and while we have made great, game-changing progress over the last four years and accelerate into a new decade in excellent shape, there is much work to be done. I am excited by the future and the opportunities for rugby and should I be re-elected, Bernard and I would:

  • Undertake further governance reform of World Rugby structures
  • Reinforce the international competition structure with a focus on unions outside of the Six Nations and The Rugby Championship
  • Strengthen the financial sustainability of the game
  • Strengthen and accelerate the development of women in rugby
  • Promote greater player dialogue with a particular focus on player welfare

World Rugby is a strong organization, and it is important that we further reform our decision-making structures for the betterment of all in the game as we accelerate into a new decade full of opportunity. The global rugby landscape is constantly changing and there is opportunity, and necessity, to implement structured and consistent international competitions, supporting the development of our unions, especially those who do not participate in the Six Nations and The Rugby Championship, while generating further engagement, interest and commercial investment.

I will be unveiling further details of our five-point manifesto in due course.

AFTNews, Basketball, PRNews, Sport

Tragic loss with death of Kobe Bryant and daughter GiGi

LA Times reports at least nine people died in the crash, including Bryant’s 13-year old daughter, Gianna.

Gianna Bryant, Kobe’s daughter shared his passion for basketball and the 13-year-old, who hoped to play in the WNBA, died with her father reported The Guardian.

AsiaFitnessToday did some research and found that Gianna, who’s fondly known as Mambacita, a play with daddy’s court name “Black Mamba”, was very much the face of youth sport empowerment at the Mamba Sports Academy – a facility designed to update the way men, women and youth approach human performance, by creating a multi-platform environment that activates, educates and provides an opportunity for humans to unlock their full potential. Mamba Sports Academy launched in 2018 as a joint business venture in holistic athletic training between NBA legend Kobe Bryant and Sports Academy’s CEO Chad Faulkner.

“Mamba Mentality isn’t about seeking a result. It’s about the journey and the approach. It’s a way of life”

– Kobe Bryant

Reuters issued a summary about Kobe Bryant’s career. He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, died at age 41 on Sunday in a helicopter crash in California. Here is biographical information on him and highlights from his career.

Courtesy Instagram.com/KobeBryant

Born in Philadelphia in 1978, son of former NBA player Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant.

Lived for eight years in Italy, where his father played professionally after his National Basketball Association career ended.

On returning to the United States, Kobe Bryant attended Lower Merion High School outside Philadelphia and gained a reputation as one of the best high school players in the country.

Chosen as the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 draft and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

A forward and shooting guard, he made his NBA debut in November 1996 at the age of 18 and played 20 consecutive seasons in the league.

Nicknamed the ‘Black Mamba,’ he won NBA championships with the Lakers in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010.

Won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2008, and was named to the NBA All-Star team 18 times.

Won Olympic gold medals with the United States in 2008 and 2012

Retired in 2016 after playing 1,346 regular season games and averaging 25 points a game, twice leading the league in scoring.

He earned more than $300 million on the court during his career.

His career points total of 33,643 is fourth on the all-time NBA list.

Off the court, he married Vanessa Laine in 2001.

In 2005, he reached a civil settlement with a woman who said he raped her in a Colorado hotel.

Died on Jan. 26, 2020, when a helicopter in which he was a passenger crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California.

AFTNews, Rugby, Sport

Five women’s teams unbeaten on day one in Hamilton

The top five women’s teams in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 will all go into the deciding round of pool matches at the HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton unbeaten after day one at FMG Stadium.

Hosts and series leaders New Zealand, Olympic champions Australia and France currently sit top of their respective pools, the latter two on points difference only from USA and Canada respectively, after all enjoyed two victories from two on Saturday.

Fiji and China were the two other winners on the opening day of the first ever women’s series event in New Zealand, Fiji having held on to beat England in their opener after a impressive first-half display but then lost to 19-12 to the weekend’s invitational side China thanks a late brace by Yang Feifei.

VIEW FIXTURES/RESULTS >>VIEW POOLS >>
The pool stage concludes on 26 January after which the three teams topping their respective pools and the best runner-up will progress straight to the Cup semi-finals. The other teams will go into play-offs to determine the rankings from fifth to 12th.

READ FULL REPORT >>
This weekend’s tournament is the first women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event to be held in New Zealand and comes as World Rugby has expanded the women’s series to a record eight rounds this season.

The 2020 women’s series has already toured to the USA, Dubai and Cape Town, the latter two and Hamilton being combined men’s and women’s events.

Hamilton also marks the start of an Olympic year for rugby sevens where it will be played as part of the Olympic Games programme for the second time in Tokyo this summer.

The action in Hamilton gets back underway at 08:45 local time (GMT+13) on 26 January with Spain’s Pool C encounter against Ireland.

Follow the action unfold on www.world.rugby/sevens or @WorldRugby7s

AFT Features, AFT Reviews, AFTNews

Babel Fit KLCC – A secret review

First of all, under no circumstances was Asia Fitness Today paid to do this review. In fact, Babel Fit did not even know we did this. During the launch of Babel KLCC, one of the goodies we received was a month-long pass which we utilized for this review.

Babel seems like the perfect gym for all of us. The gym features top of the line equipment and amenities. Sounds too good to be true but with plush towels that’s softer than your moisturizing conditioner hair, one can’t complain.

Your first impression of Babel KLCC is its entrance. It looks posh, to say the least. Second, there is this pleasant aroma that wafts through you as you walk in. This aroma is all over the gym too. I don’t know what this is but it made me feel relaxed and energized at the same time whenever I go to Babel.

On my first day at Babel, I went at 8 am and did the registration. I registered for the HIIT30 class straightaway by Evon, scheduled at 10 am. I had two hours of free time until the class so I decided to do some warm ups in the training room.

Babel KLCC access card

Obviously there is a lot of the latest equipment provided there but what caught my eye was the sheer number of actual living plants there. My photos do not do them justice. They just look like plastic plants but, trust me, they are as real as you and I. The plants made me felt as though I was being given extra oxygen during my warm up. According to Babel, they have an in-house botanist that helps them maintain these plants.

Be surrounded by real plants at Babel KLCC

Then it was time for HIIT30. For the uninitiated, HIIT30 is a class where we push ourselves to reach our limit in 30 minutes. So, four different exercises for four rounds with just one minute of rest in between. It was really tough for a newbie like I am. But did I feel good? I obviously did.

After my class I decided to pamper myself at the infra-red sauna. It looks as though it is based on Japanese design but I can’t be sure. Well, it doesn’t really matter because as soon as I entered the sauna, I was able to relax and calm my mind. I might have even fallen asleep in there!

I didn’t manage to go to Babel as often as I would like to as work had me bogged down but after a week I went there as soon as I was done with work. I felt as though I needed to recoup the days I missed so I did it by deciding that it was a good idea to attend three classes in a row.

My obvious first class back to the gym is my now all-time favorite, HIIT30. There are no words that can describe how much I enjoy this class at Babel. As soon as I was done with this, I went for Slo Flo Yoga. Led by Tony, I found the class quite relaxing and personally I enjoyed the stretching after the vigorous HIIT class. It’s best said now that this was my first yoga class ever. I learned to control my breathing and didn’t drop a single sweat during the class.

Slo Flo Yoga

I had a 30 minute break from yoga to my final class. This would be the first time for me to attend an RnR class and luckily I was met with a familiar face by way of the trainer. I’m pretty sure you can guess what kind of class this is solely based on its name. So yes, we do some more stretching but it wasn’t as gentle as Slo Fo Yoga though. I ended feeling sore despite it supposedly to be a relaxing class as well. Despite the soreness I actually liked this class as I did not feel tired out from it and completely understand why it was slotted as the final class of the day.

Before I left Babel KLCC, I decided to utilize the Bad Lab products available in the men’s locker room (Good Virtue’s Co products are featured in the women’s locker room). It was not bad and made me feel pretty good for the trip home.

Words cannot express how much I love doing HIIT at Babel and my final HIIT30 class was scheduled at 6 pm. This time I had a new trainer – Jean K. It was a great experience as she’s quite energetic and she would be shouting words of encouragement at us so we would be able to keep up and moving.

However, unlike the other HIIT30 classes I’ve attended, we didn’t have any simple warm up at the beginning of the class. Jean began the class with a really challenging warm up. Another difference is that there are eight of us in this class. There were two to four people in the other HIIT30 classes I’ve attended. This surely proves Jean’s effectiveness and popularity. I was seriously exhausted in her class but keep moving as she constantly encourages us to not give up.

Babel KLCC

Ok, maybe I should’ve tried more classes but I got hooked on HIIT. But this is what I have to say about Babel KLCC – you have to see and experience it for yourself. At Babel KLCC, seeing is barely believing thus you would have to go for some classes to fully immerse yourself with the Babel experience. I give them 10/10 for overall experience, classes offered, amenities and location.

AFTNews

UNIQLO-Supplied Swedish Team Winter Uniforms Debut at Winter Youth Olympics

UNIQLO today announced it supplied the Swedish team’s uniforms for the third Winter Youth Olympic Games, being held in Lausanne, Switzerland from January 9 through 22. This event represents the international competition debut of UNIQLO’s official winter teamwear.

The International Olympic Committee is holding this event for athletes aged between 15 and 18. The Swedish team’s 51 members competed in the curling, skeleton, biathlon, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, bobsleigh, ski cross, female ice hockey, and 3 x 3 ice hockey categories. In the first week, the team scored three gold medals in alpine skiing super-G and slalom, as well as two bronze medals in the biathlon single mix relay and alpine skiing combined.


Adam Hofstedt / Alpine skiing

“We have sent Sweden’s largest squad ever to a Youth Olympic Games. We’ve had great success during the first week with three gold, two bronze and a lot of great performances. We have enjoyed a great partnership with UNIQLO and every Swedish athlete wears the UNIQLO clothes with pride,” said Anders Wiggerud, Chef de Mission for the Swedish squad.

UNIQLO supplied 46 items of stylish and functional LifeWear apparel and accessories to the Swedish team. These included Hybrid Down, Ultra Light Down, Blocktech, and HEATTECH pieces.

AFTNews, Fitness

Outrun yourself in ASICS’ inaugural #IMOVEME CHALLENGE 2020

No crowds. No start gun or pre-race nerves. No official starting line. Such is the flexibility and convenience offered by virtual races, the latest trend in the running community. 

ASICS’ inaugural #IMOVEME Challenge seeks to transform organized racing with a 12-month virtual marathon series across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines, which aims to attract thousands of runners from across the region. 

Organized in partnership with virtual race platform, 42Race, the year-long challenge will feature four marathons with different requirements. 

Runners can sign up for the virtual marathons by registering online at <https://web.42race.com/race-bundle/asicsimoveme2020challenge>, choose from the marathon races that best suit them and run them anywhere they like – whether it’s on a treadmill or at their neighborhood street.

Upon completing the race, runners can then upload their finishing time and see how they stack up against the rest of the running world in the region. 

ASICS #IMOVEME CHALLENGE 2020 Finisher Medal

Four Marathon Categories 

There are four marathon categories – Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Ultra. The completion of each marathon will see runners earn a prized medal and a 15% discount ASICS e-voucher.  

Winners 

Need more motivation? Completing all four marathons in the Advanced and Ultra segments will not only see you clock more miles, but also bring you closer to the grand prize of [a 3D2N Wuxi Marathon Trip inclusive of a marathon entry, accommodation and a return flight worth USD 5,000 In total].

Completing all four marathons in the Beginner and Intermediate segments will also entitle you to a chance to win USD 1,000 worth in ASICS products.

For those who prefer running in groups, ASICS Running Club will also be holding special training sessions every Tuesday evenings, which are led by experienced runners and tailored specifically to the marathons’ requirements to help runners achieve their personal fitness goals. 

So what are you waiting for? Join in a running experience that will inspire you, push you and move you. 

Registration for the ASICS #IMOVEME Challenge is now opened at 

< https://web.42race.com/race-bundle/asicsimoveme2020challenge >. 

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/asicsrunningclubmy/ for more information on ASICS Running Club and its programmes.

AFTNews

UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassadors to Use Game Wear Made with DRY-EX Material from Recycled PET Bottles Beginning January 2020

UNIQLO, the Japanese global apparel retailer, today announces its Global Brand Ambassadors Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Shingo Kunieda, and Gordon Reid will play future tournaments in game wear made from DRY-EX material incorporating polyester fibers recycled from PET bottles. The change begins immediately for Ambassadors competing in the 2020 Australian Open tennis tournament, starting on January 20.

One of UNIQLO’s initiatives for sustainability is the development of DRY-EX material using polyester fibers recycled from PET bottles, in partnership with Toray Industries, one of the world’s top fiber and materials innovation companies. This has been difficult up to now because of contaminants in PET bottles, but improvements in filtering technology have allowed for the production of high quality specialty fibers. The new material retains the moisture-wicking functionality of DRY-EX, providing the same comfort to allow players to perform at their best. UNIQLO will continue to support the world’s top athletes with LifeWear and pursue the development of environmentally friendly products.

Comment from Roger Federer: “I was surprised to hear that polyester could be recycled from PET bottles and turned into clothing, and I’m impressed with its functionality and comfort, which is indistinguishable from the DRY-EX fabric I have worn previously. As a Global Brand Ambassador, I am happy to help support UNIQLO’s sustainability initiatives.

Comment from Shingo Kunieda: “I think it’s wonderful that UNIQLO is actively pursuing environmental measures, developing this DRY-EX fabric from recycled polyester. I’m very happy that everyday PET bottles have been reborn as DRY-EX, and that I will be able to play using that material.”

■ Roger Federer wear models to be launched on Friday, January 17

UNIQLO will offer replica game wear and other items that Global Brand Ambassador Roger Federer will wear at the 2020 Australian Opens. Items will be available from January 17, 2020 (Friday) at select UNIQLO stores around Malaysia and through UNIQLO.com/my. The new game wear was designed by a team of international designers at the UNIQLO Paris R&D Center, led by Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire.

Roger Federer model: The Roger Federer model features a bold use of color combining bright purple shorts with a navy or white top. In terms of functionality, the wear focuses on breathability and ease of movement, incorporating three different mesh types with specific characteristics– absorbency, elasticity, and smoothness–in response to the demands of dynamic play.

Bright Purple Shorts from Roger Federer Model Game Wear

Roger Federer Model Game Wear

Product Colors Sizes Pricing in Malaysia
RF DRY-EX Polo Shirt 2 S-XXXL RM129.90
RF DRY Short Pants 2 S-XXXL RM129.90
RF Tennis Wristband 2 ONE SIZE RM29.90
RF Tennis Socks 1 ONE SIZE RM29.90

Christophe Lemaire and the UNIQLO Paris R&D Center
The UNIQLO Paris R&D Center is one of five research and development centers, along with Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and Los Angeles. UNIQLO R&D Centers are regional hubs that pursue product development and design, study local fashion trends and lifestyles, and examine data on new
materials.

AFT TV, Sport, UFC

Post-fight press conference UFC-246 Conor McGregor TKOs Cowboy Cerrone

At the official weigh-in, at T-Mobile Stadium in Nevada, USA the night before the game, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone’s official weight was locked in at 170kg and the same for Conor McGregor. When emcee Joe Rogan spoke to the fighters, Cowboy said, “It’s incredible, we’re gonna blow the %#$(*%& roof off this place. I cannot wait!”. McGregor said, “I’m coming for all of them in this division. It begins with Donald! Let’s go! I’m excited! Thank you for all your support…..”. He added, “Tomorrow night I’m dedicating this fight to me ma back home. I luv ya ma, we all luv ya!”.

UFC 246: Conor McGregor Octagon Interview
On Episode 6 of UFC 246 Embedded, welterweight headliner Donald Cerrone relaxes in the comfort of making an easy weight cut to 170 lbs.  Anthony “Showtime” Pettis discusses how his technique of handling his own weight cut helps him.  Conor McGregor shows up to the UFC 246: Ceremonial weigh-ins with his son and crowds roar as the headliners position for a final flex-and-faceoff and deliver their thoughts in anticipation for the fight.