Multilingual Coach Azraai Khor’s Tamil Fluency Shapes Football Legacy

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,
3 September: Azraai Khor Abdullah, a Chinese-Muslim football coach, is celebrated as one of Malaysia’s most successful football managers, owing not only to his tactical prowess but also to his fluency in Tamil.

Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood in Kedah, Azraai picked up Tamil from his Indian neighbors. This skill became a valuable asset throughout his career, enabling him to form strong bonds with Indian players and build cohesive, successful teams. His ability to communicate in Tamil allowed him to connect on a deeper level with players, fostering trust and understanding that translated into outstanding team performance on the field.

As the head coach of Kedah FA, Azraai’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to an unprecedented achievement—winning back-to-back treble victories in the Malaysian football league. This remarkable accomplishment solidified his reputation as one of the country’s top football managers. Despite later facing challenges, such as being passed over for the technical director position at Kedah FA, Azraai remained dedicated to the sport.

He continued to contribute to Malaysian football by offering coaching clinics and mentoring young players in his hometown. His fluency in Tamil not only endeared him to the local community, who affectionately call him “Anneh,” but also highlighted the importance of cultural and linguistic integration in sports. Azraai’s story is a testament to how embracing diversity and fostering communication can lead to extraordinary success in football as stated in Astro Ulagam.