KUALA LUMPUR: Five-time world champion bodybuilder Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah upset a stellar field to emerge as the Athlete of the Year at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100 PLUS Awards in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
The 50-year-old was selected ahead of four other nominees - badminton doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, cueist Lim Kok Leong, weightlifter Aniq Kasdan and rhythmic gymnast Ng Joe Ee.
Syarul, who is better known by his nickname Mike, is only the second bodybuilder to win the premier SAM award after Sazali Samad won it in 2013.
The award is usually won by athletes from more mainstream Olympic sports.
Syarul had a solid season in 2022, first winning gold at the Hanoi Sea Games in May and later in December claimed his fifth world title at the World Bodybuilding and Physique Championship in Phuket.
There were, however, no surprises in the Para category as shuttler Cheah Liek Hou was named Para Athlete of the Year.
The Paralympic gold medalist was unbeaten last year winning titles at the Brazil International Championships (April), Bahrain International Championships (May) and Ireland International Four Nations (July). He went on to claim his seventh world title at the Tokyo World Championships in November.
Syarul and Liek Hou both received trophies and RM10,000 prize money each from Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh who officiated the awards ceremony in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
Meanwhile, promising duo Azeem Fahmi (athletics sprinter) and Hakim Danish Ramli (motorcycle racer) claimed the 100PLUS special award and Young Athlete of the Year award respectively.
Azeem broke the 100m national record while Hakim won the Asia Talent Cup last year.
Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria was also honoured at the event. He was awarded the Sports Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to Malaysian sports.
Media personnel's contribution to sports were also recognised via six award categories: Best report (print and electronic), best commentary (print and electronic), best special report (open) and best sports photography.
Roll of Honour:
Athlete of the Year: Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah
Para Athlete of the Year: Cheah Liek Hou (badminton)
Young Athlete of the Year: Hakim Danish Ramli (motorcycling)
100PLUS Special Award: Azeem Fahmi (athletics)
Most Dynamic Association: Malaysian Karate Federation
Sports Leadership Award: Tan Sri Norza Zakaria