KUALA LUMPUR: Bodybuilder Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah deserves to win the Sportsman of the Year award at the National Sports Awards in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
This is the view of sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli, who highlighted the vast achievements of Syarul, better known by his nickname Mike.
The 51-year-old announced his retirement in March.
Syarul is up against squash player Ng Eain Yow, equestrian rider Qabil Ambak Fathil and karate exponent Arif Afifuddin AB Malik, who all claimed gold medals at last year's Hangzhou Asian Games, as well as tenpin bowler Rafiq Ismail for the top men's award.
"If you ask me, the favourite for the men's award should be Mike," said Pekan when asked for his views today.
"He has an excellent track record and won his sixth world title last year. He just retired so this would be a great way to honour him.
"He also has never won it before, despite his achievements.
"Bodybuilding is sometimes unfairly underrated. It is a very difficult sport to compete in as it requires great discipline and attention to detail."
Syarul won the world title in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and last year.
Sazali Samad was the last bodybuilder to win the Sportsman of the Year award in 2014. He previously won it in 2000, 2006 and 2013.
Pekan said the Sportswoman of the Year award is tougher to predict.
Those nominated include squash player S. Sivasangari and sailor Nur Syazrin Latif, who both won gold in Hangzhou, as well as Muay Thai exponent Amisha Azrilrizal, who claimed the Under-23 world title last year.
Tenpin bowler Natasha Roslan, who won the world title last year, and lawn bowler Nurul alyani Jamil have also been shortlisted.
"I believe it will be between Sivasangari and Natasha," said Pekan.
"Sivasangari has come back strong since the accident and has gone from strength to strength since then.
"But if you look at the selection criteria, world titles are often held in higher regard.
"With that in mind, I believe Natasha has the advantage here."
Sivasangari sustained serious injuries in a car crash in June 2022.
In the para categories, powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, swimmer Nur Syaiful Zulkafli and athletics trio Ziyad Zolkefli, Abdul Latif Romly and Ammar Aiman Nor Azmi have been nominated for Sportsman of the Year.
Nominees for Sportswoman of the Year are cyclists Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais and Nur Suraiya Muhamad Zamri, boccia duo Noor Askuzaimey Mat Salim and Angeline Melissa Lawas, as well as lawn bowler Jariah Zakaria.
The winners in each of the above categories will receive RM20,000, a trophy and a certificate.
The other award categories that will be contested are men's and women's team of the year, men's and women's coach of the year, Sports Figure Award, Sports Leadership Award and Special Award.