SPORTS, like entertainment, always unites and fans have a memorable time when they converge.
Celebrity chef, motivational guru, restaurant owner and singer Datuk Fazley Yaakob, who believes so, will lead a team of Malaysian celebrities for the three-day Tepok Bulu 2023 badminton tournament at Istora Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.
FRIENDLY MATCH
Organised by Indonesian digital media giant Vindes for the sixth year, it takes place at 8.30pm (Malaysian time) daily from Nov 16 to 18.
This is the first time that Malaysia is joining Tepok Bulu, which Fazley describes as a "friendly match between old neighbours".
Following the theme "Tribute To Istora", it celebrates 60 years of the iconic indoor stadium with the host country represented by actors Vincent Rompies and Arya Saloka, Sheila On 7 lead singer Duta Modjo and singer Ziva Magnolya.
Team Malaysia comprises Fazley, social media personality Atita Haris, comedian Atu of Zero and actor Imran Aqil.
MAJESTIC STADIUM
At the launch event in Suka Sucre Restaurant, Hotel Maya, Kuala Lumpur recently, Fazley said that they had been training five days a week since the start of November.
"I am very excited to play badminton in our neighbouring country after a long time. I actually spent five years of my childhood in Jakarta, when my late father was working there, and was in awe of the majestic stadium," he said.
SHEILA ON 7
Fazley added that he was approached by Vindes based on fan feedback, and the other members of his team were also determined by their "popularity with Indonesian fans".
"Besides wanting to step foot in the stadium again, what prompted me to say 'yes' to the tournament was to meet Sheila On 7, one of my favourite Indonesian rock bands of all time.
"Since Duta is one of the players representing Indonesia, his bandmates are bound to be there to give him support, and it is a great opportunity for me to catch up with them," he said.
WINNING COACH
Fazley and Imran will be in the Men's Doubles, while Atu and Atita will be in the Mixed Doubles.
Atita, 31, said: "It is an honour to showcase the talents of Malaysian artistes. All four of us love badminton, and have been playing it since our schooldays.
"Best of all, we have as our coach, the national women's doubles coach and former badminton player Chan Chong Ming — the man behind the success of national players Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah."
YOUTUBE SENSATION
Atu, or Kunal Doli, 31, said that he was surprised to learn that he was a hit with Indonesians.
"I've never visited Indonesia, and this is my first ever visit. I guess they know about me through YouTube," said the comedian who hails from Kudat, Sabah. Atu added that he would give his best and do his elder brothers Sharif and Syaiful Doli proud (they are currently participating in TV3's reality show, Famili Duo).
THOMAS CUP
Vindes Media chief executive officer Rompies said that many fond memories had been created at the stadium, especially Thomas Cup badminton tournaments which also involved Malaysian players.
"This is a special treat for badminton lovers in both countries. We chose Malaysia as our guest team because it is one of the strongest badminton nations in the region," he said.
HUJAN'S NOH
Tepok Bulu 2023 also features Indonesian comedian Deddy Mahendra Desta, badminton legends Icuk Sugiarto and Greysia Polii, and Malaysian rock singer Noh Salleh of Hujan as commentators, and Indonesian television personality Harly Valentina and actor Ebel Cobra as the event's co-hosts.
Rock and pop groups RAN and SMASH, singers and musicians Iqbaal Ramadhan, Oomleo, Henry Foundation and Kenny Gabriel, and social media sensations Podcast Seminggu and Podcast Ancur will also entertain guests at the tournament.
More than 5,000 tickets have been sold and next year, Kuala Lumpur will host the tournament.