KUALA LUMPUR – National track-cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang created history after being crowned today as the Sportsman of the Year for the fifth time at the National Sport Awards 2021, held at the National Sports Council Complex, Bukit Jalil.
The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist had previously won this prestigious award in 2009, 2010, 2017, and 2019/20.
“When I was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, many said that I most probably would be unable to compete again, but I proved them wrong.
“This will not be my final achievement as I will go all out to achieve more, especially the 2024 Paris Olympics,” he said.
In 2021, 35-year-old Azizulhasni won a silver medal for the national contingent at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
He was also conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Darjah Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Terengganu, which carries the title of Datuk, by the Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.
Other athletes nominated for the award were badminton men’s doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, bodybuilder Buda Anchah, squash player Ng Eain Yow, and motorcycle racer Syarifuddin Azman (motoring).
Meanwhile, national diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg was the recipient of the Sportswoman of the Year award – her fourth win after 2011, 2012, and 2015.
“Often times, people will praise you when you win but they will also criticise you for losing. This is normal. So, I wish to keep going and do my best as long as I could.
“I need to be strong, not only to be an example to my juniors but I also wish to inspire them,” she said.
The 30-year-old was the first Malaysian diver to win a gold medal at the World Cup Diving Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
She also made history for winning the women’s 10m individual platform event, amassing 355.70 points.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who presented the award to Azizulhasni and Pandelela, also officiated the ceremony.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and her deputy Adam Adli Abdul Halim were also present at the event.
Meanwhile, the Paralympic Sportsman of the Year was awarded to powerlifting athlete Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, while swimmer Brenda Anellia Larry received the Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year award.
Badminton men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik received the Men’s Team of the Year award and keglers Natasha Mohamed Roslan, Faten Najihah Ahmad Faik, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Nor Syazwani Sahar were recipients of the Women’s Team of the Year.
Other winners of the year include powerlifting coach Jamil Adam for the Men’s Coach Award, bowling coach Wendy Chai De-Choo for the Women’s Coach Award, and Datuk Norminshah Sabirin for the Sports Icon Award.
Huang Ying How received the Leadership Sports Award and the Special Award went to Mohd Zaki Abd Rahman, Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh, and Chan Foong Keong. – The Vibes, January 31, 2023
