BOWLER Rafiq Ismail is among the favourites to be named Best Athlete at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS awards on April 10 in Petaling Jaya.
Rafiq was the country’s best performer last year with several notable wins.
The 22-year-old started last season by claiming the national title before upsetting the odds with a gold medal in the men’s masters at the Indonesia Asian Games.
His most cherished victory was in the singles at the World Championships in Hong Kong.
The other nominees are divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong along with gymnast Amy Kwan, cyclist Azizulhasni Awang and silat exponent Ahmad Amzad.
Abdul Latiff Romly, Ziyad Zolkefli, Ridzuan Puzi and Bonnie Bunyau Anak Gustin are the athletes nominated for the Best Paralympian award.
The winners of each category will receive RM10,000 and a trophy.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will both be attending the annual event.
SAM will also present the Lifetime Achievement Award to its patron, Sultan Ahmad Shah, for his contributions in sports. It will be presented to the King, in his father’s absence.
SAM president Jasni Shafie said this year is special as the association will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 10.
“We are proud to have the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in attendance. It is a huge recognition to have the king grace our awards as he is
Malaysia’s No 1 sports fan,” said Jasni yesterday.
Meanwhile, competition in the media categories is also expected to be stiff as over 200 entries have been received for the six categories for print and electronic media which are part of the awards.
A total prize money of RM50,000 is up for grabs in the media category.