KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Council (NSC) today announced the shortlist of athletes for the 2021 National Sports Awards and all the big names are in the running.
Leading the list of nominees for the Sportsman of the Year award is track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, who claimed silver at the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.
Also in the list are badminton doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, bodybuilder Buda Anchah, squash player Ng Eain Yow and motorcycle racer Syarifuddin Azman.
Diver Pandelela Rinong heads the list for the Sportswoman of the Year award which also includes bodybuilder Meilaura Dora Jimmy, squash players Rachel Arnold and Aifa Azman, Muay Thai exponent Nur Amisha Azrilrizal.
Paralympic and world champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting) is the favourite in the Paralympic Sportsman of the Year category. Latif Romly (athletics), Cheah Liek Hou (badminton), Jong Yee Khie (powerlifting) and Chew Wei Lun (boccia) were also shortlisted.
Siti Noor Lasah Mohammad Ariffin (athletics), Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais (cycling) and Brendy Anellia Larry (swimming) have been shortlisted for the Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year category.
The winners in each of the four categories above will take home RM20,000 in prize money, a trophy and a certificate.
The other award categories are Men's and Women's Team of the Year, Men's and Women's Coach of the Year, Sports Leadership Award, Sports Icon Award and a Special Award.
The NSC selection committee received 49 nominations for the 11 categories. The athletes are evaluated based on their achievements during the 2021 season.
The National Sports Awards ceremony will be held on Jan 31 at the National Sports Complex banquet hall. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend as guest of honour.