KUALA LUMPUR: Pencak silat exponent Al Jufferi Jamari was named the Best Sports Icon at the inaugural Harian Metro Sports Icon Awards (AISHM) tonight.
Jufferi, who retired from the sport after winning his fourth world title in August, also won the Gardenia Breakthru Men's Sports Icon Award at the ceremony which was held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi.
The 31-year-old received an Appollen A1 (five-door hatchback) electric car worth RM136,000, RM5,000 cash, a trophy as well as a year's free subscription to Harian Metro digital.
Among the memorable moments during Jufferi's career includes competing with only one good arm during the Hanoi Sea Games last year as he had dislocated his right shoulder. Jufferi has won four gold medals at the Sea Games throughout his career.
The Gardenia Breakthru Women's Sports Icon Award went to national diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri while para shuttler Cheah Liek Hou received the Paralympic Sports Icon Award. Both Dhabitah and Liek Hou have been in fine form in recent seasons.
Datuk Misbun Sidek, who has groomed top players such Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia and more recently Justin Hoh, claimed the Sports Icon award for the coaching category.
The Sports Icon award for clubs and sports associations category went to Johor Darul Ta'zim football club while FA of Malaysia president Datuk Hamidin Amin was named Sports Leadership Icon.
Up and coming shooter Nurul Syasya Nadiah Mohd Arifin won the Most Promising Sports Icon award while track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang claimed the Sports Icon Influencer award.
In recognition of her achievements and contributions to Malaysian sports, tenpin bowler Shalin Zulkifli was presented with the Legendary Sports Icon Award.
All winners received a trophy, RM5,000 cash and a year's free subscription to Harian Metro digital.
AISHM's objective is to give recognition to outstanding athletes, coaches, associations and stakeholders within the Malaysian Sports Industry.
The winners are selected from a shortlist of five in each category. They are evaluated by a professional jury and are also voted for by fans, both of which hold a 50 per cent weightage.