StarSports’ top picks

ATHLETES

Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei (badminton)

Made history by becoming Malaysia’s first mixed doubles world champions, defeating China’s Jiang Zhenbang–Wei Yaxin in the Paris final on Merdeka Day. They were separated briefly but returned together to win the most prestigious title.

Khiew Hoe Yean (swimming)

Starred at the Thailand SEA Games with gold in the 200m and 400m freestyle. He completed a hattrick in the 200m and became the first Malaysian since 2017 to win the 200m–400m double.

Grace Wong (athletics)

Dominated the hammer throw at the SEA Games, breaking the Games record four times and the national record three times to claim her fourth gold, adding to titles won in 2017 and 2022.

COACHES

Nova Widianto (badminton)

Masterminded Tang Jie–Ee Wei’s world title after reuniting the pair earlier in the year. A former world champion himself, Indonesian Nova ended Malaysia’s long wait for a mixed doubles crown.

Gu Yuan (athletics)

Instrumental in Grace Wong’s record-breaking SEA Games showing after overseeing her full-time training stint in China, a move that proved decisive.

Eric Anderson (swimming)

Guided the national team to their best SEA Games showing in six years with two gold, three silver and five bronze medals, marking a clear improvement from recent editions.