{
  "id": 5045592,
  "title": "Two Malaysia '75 World Cup heroes fighting for their lives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/two-malaysia-75-world-cup-heroes-fighting-for-their-lives",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T08:22:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/hockey/2026/09/1524264/two-malaysia-75-world-cup-heroes-fighting-their-lives"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two Malaysian hockey legends, Datuk Seri N. Sri Shanmuganathan and Brian Sta Maria, are currently fighting for their lives after being admitted to different hospitals. Shanmuganathan, who captained Malaysia's 1975 World Cup team, was admitted to the National Heart Institute due to heart problems. Brian Sta Maria, a defender who participated in the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1975 World Cup, spent several days in the emergency unit of Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) after falling at his home on Saturday and being unable to get up on his own. His condition deteriorated on Sunday, leading to a move from the emergency unit to a normal ward at UMMC. The National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) chairman, Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, managed to settle Brian's case and donated a wheelchair as Brian is now unable to walk. Shanmuganathan's wife, Elaine Lam, expressed relief that her husband was finally admitted to the normal ward at IJN, while Brian's daughter also thanked Yakeb for donating the wheelchair. Brian suffered from Parkinson's disease, and both legends had impressive careers, featuring in multiple Olympics and World Cups.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Two hockey legends Datuk Seri N. Sri Shanmuganathan and Brian Sta Maria were admitted at two different hospitals.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian hockey legends N. Sri Shanmuganathan and Brian Sta Maria fighting for lives",
    "Shanmuganathan hospitalized for heart problems, Sta Maria in UMMC after fall",
    "Yakeb chairman settles Sta Maria's case, donates wheelchair for mobility"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}