KUALA LUMPUR: National track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and diver Datuk Pandalela Rinong today were awarded the country's highest national sports recognition.
Organised by the National Sport Council(NSC), the Sportsman of the Year award went to the track cyclist who claimed silver at the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.
This is the fifth time Azizulhasni received the award after his continuous wins in various international sports competitions.
In his speech, Azizulhasni said he was privileged to accept the award and promised his best performance at future competitions.
"It is a real privilege and I thank the NSC, my coaches, family, especially my wife who has made a lot of sacrifices to make sure I am prepared for the track," he said.
He added that he had a heart condition recently and had undergone corrective surgery.
"Some peope were pessimistic about my health and doubted that I could resume sports. Alhamdulillah, thanks to all the prayers and treatments, I'm back at it, stronger and better," he said.
Azizulhasni also previously won the award in 2009, 2010, 2018 and 2020.
"I have another two years before I retire, so I am hopeful of winning my sixth national sportsman title", Azizulhasni added.
Meanwhile, Pandalela who was awarded the Sports Woman of the Year award for the forth time said she was overjoyed.
"I am overwhelmed and thank everyone who has contributed to my success," she said.
She said she loved diving and would continue to do so until the time comes for her to retire.
The National Sports Awards 2021, which was held at the National Sports Complex banquet hall in Bukit Jalil, was graced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also presented the prestigious awards to the winners today.
Also present at the award ceremony, was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and her deputy Adam Adli.
The athletes were evaluated based on their achievements at world sporting events, including the Olympics.
Among the other recipients were Badminton doubles players Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who were the recipients of the Men's Team Sports Award of the year.
However Chia was not present at the award ceremony due to family commitments.
Paralympic and world champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting) was named the Paralympic Sportsman of the Year.
The Paralympic Sportswoman of 2021 award went to Brendy Anellia Larry (swimming) for her outstanding performance at the Tokyo Paralympics 2021.
The winners of each of the categories will be taking home RM20,000 in prize money, a trophy and a certificate.
National Women's Coach of the Year went to Wendy Chai De-Choo whereas Jamil Adam was named the National Men's Coach.
The Special Award 2021 was given to Mohd Zaki Abd Rahman who had a significant role in Sukma 1999 and was instrumental in the formation of the first sports school as well as the NSC.
He was the first Malaysian to be appointed as a World Cup referee in South Africa in 2010.
Another Special Award recipient named as veteran sportman Chan Foong Keong, while 80-year-old Datuk Norminsyah Sabirin received the National Icon Award.
She held several top position in the sports fraternity including being the Netball Association president between 1993 to 1999.
The Sports Leadership Award went to Huang Ying How.
The NSC selection committee received 49 nominations for the 11 categories.