Tue, 18 Feb 2025
Headlines:
‘It’s about sportsmanship’: Yeoh defends photo with Thai shuttler
Published on: Thursday, August 08, 2024
Published on: Thu, Aug 08, 2024
By: FMT
Text Size:
Text:
‘It’s about sportsmanship’: Yeoh defends photo with Thai shuttler
Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh had received flak over her snapshot with Thai shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Paris Olympic Games. (Instagram pic)
PETALING JAYA: Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh has defended the picture she took with Thai shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who defeated men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia in the Paris Olympics semi-finals, saying the snapshot had been about good sportsmanship.

In a Facebook post, she also said that she was not about "winning medals at all costs".

Advertisement
“I am here to promote a healthy sporting culture for our youth. We are not sore losers. There is nothing insensitive about acknowledging our rival’s strength," she said.

Noting the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship, Yeoh added that sportsmanship was about accepting defeat and acknowledging rivals in a respectful manner.

SPONSORED CONTENT
When it comes to skincare, the first thought on our minds would be beauty products such as serums, creams, and masks. However, beauty experts and even researchers have stated that drinking more water can be just as crucial for your skin's health.
She said the youth should be brave enough to appreciate "what is good", while parents should encourage children to participate in sports which teaches invaluable lessons about life.

"They become stronger when they practise good sportsmanship," she said.

Advertisement
Yeoh had received flak over her picture with Kunlavut, who went on to win the silver medal while Lee took home the bronze.

Some social media users accused her of being insensitive and tone-deaf, while others defended her, saying she had shown grace and sportsmanship.

Advertisement
Yeoh also uploaded pictures of her congratulating coaches Tan Kim Her and Jeremy Gan, both Malaysians, when their Japanese athletes won.

"It’s not about being a fan of Kunlavut. I am consistent about practising good sportsmanship and I represent Malaysia," she said, adding that there was a need to be honourable even after losing a game.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.

* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Advertisement
Share this story
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Follow Us  
Follow us              
Daily Express TV  
© Copyright 2025 Sabah Publishing House Sdn. Bhd. (Co. No. 35782-P)
close
Try 1 month for RM 18.00
Already a subscriber? Login here
Try 1 month for RM 18.00
open
Try 1 month for RM 18.00
Already a subscriber? Login here