KUALA LUMPUR: Harian Metro today officially launched the inaugural Anugerah Ikon Sukan (AIS) in recognition of Malaysian sports industry and to celebrate the achievements of athletes.
The launch, which was held at Balai Berita NSTP Bangsar, was attended by former Olympic Games silver medallist Goh Liu Ying, former national gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, bodybuilder Syarul Azman Mike Mahen, former silat world champion Al Jufferi Jamari, Malaysia Games women's 100m champion Nor Sara Adi and Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team's Nur Aiman Tariff.
Also gracing the event were Media Prima Berhad group operations deputy director and Media Prima Omnia chief executive officer Datuk Michael Chan, Harian Metro group editor Husain Jahit, TV9 chief operations officer Sherina Mohamed Nordin, Media Prima Omnia chief operations officer (commercial solutions) Zanny Liu and Gardenia Bakeries Sales Manager Ina Suhaila Abbas.
Gardenia Breakthru, the wheat bread by Gardenia Bakeries, is the main title sponsor for AIS which will be held in January 2023.
The AIS will have eight awards: Ikon Sukan Lelaki Breakthru (men), Ikon Sukan Wanita Breakthru (women), Ikon Sukan Paralimpic (Paralympic), Ikon Sukan Jurulatih (coach), Ikon Sukan Persatuan/Kelab (sports associations and clubs), Ikon Sukan Kepimpinan (sports leaders), Ikon Sukan Harapan (up-and-coming athletes) and Ikon Sukan Pempengaruh (sports influencers).
Those with the most number of votes, along with the highest marks from the professional juries, will receive the Ikon Sukan Terbaik award. The organisers will also award a special trophy to former sports legends who have contributed towards the building of the national sports industry.
"The goal of AIS is to encourage the public to actively play a role when it comes to building the local sports industry. It's also a way to show our support to local sports icons.
"The winners will be based on the marks given by our professional juries, as well as votes from our Harian Metro readers who can do so through our physical newspaper as well as online.
"Harian Metro is set to be the first publication to introduce a sports award that involves our readers in the selection process," said Hussain.