Former national bodybuilding champion Datuk Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, better known as Mike Mahen, was celebrated as the National Sportsman at the prestigious National Sports Awards 2023 last night. The award ceremony, a significant event in the sports community, saw Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim presenting the esteemed trophy to Mahen. The occasion was further graced by the presence of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Mike Mahen surpassed the achievements of three gold medallists from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games — Ng Eain Yow (squash), Mohd Qabil Ambak Mahamad Fathil (equestrian), and Muhammad Arif Afifuddin Ab Malik (karate) — as well as Muhamad Rafiq Ismail (tenpin bowling) to claim the award.
Mike Mahen has become the third bodybuilder to be honored with the National Sportsman award, joining the ranks of Datuk Abdul Malek Noor, who received the accolade in 1986, and Sazali Samad, a four-time winner in 2000, 2006, 2013, and 2014. The 51-year-old, who announced his retirement in March, achieved a remarkable feat last year by winning his sixth world and Asian titles. His illustrious career and recent triumphs have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the bodybuilding world.
“Thank God, after retiring I got the title of National Sportsman which is the highest honour for me. Thank you to Minister Hannah Yeoh, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council, the National Sports Institute who often give me the best treatment and the Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation who helped me a great deal when I was in competition and now giving me the confidence to become a coach,” he said at a press conference.
Meanwhile, national tenpin bowler Natasha Mohamed Roslan was named the National Sportswoman after breaking Malaysia’s 12-year gold medal drought by winning the individual event at the 2023 World Championships in Salmiya, Kuwait.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Datuk Dr. PS Nathan, the founder of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC). He was recognized as a sports icon for his significant contributions to the advancement of tenpin bowling during the 1990s. Established in 1966, the prestigious awards represent the highest level of government recognition for the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, officials, and national sports associations.
Full list of recipients at the 2023 National Sports Awards (ASN):
- National Sportsman – Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah (bodybuilding)
- National Sportswoman – Natasha Roslan (tenpin bowling)
- National Paralympic Sportsman – Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting)
- National Paralympic Sportswomen – Nur Suraiya Zamri and Farina Shawati Mohd Adnan (pilot) (track cycling)
- National Men’s Team – Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek-Ahmad Muaz Fisol (tenpin bowling)
- National Women’s Team – Nur Ain Nabilah Tarmizi-Aleena Ahmad Nawawi (lawn bowls)
- National Men’s Coach – Zuraidi Puteh (lawn bowls)
- National Women’s Coach – Chai De Choo@Wendy Chai (tenpin bowling)
- Sports Icon Award – Datuk Dr PS Nathan
- Sports Leadership Award – Khalid Yunus
- Special Award – Qabil Irfan Azlan (motorsports) and Special Olympics Malaysia
Congratulations to the athletes for their remarkable achievements at the 2023 National Sports Awards. They truly serve as the pride of our nation, inspiring generations with their dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence in their respective sports. Their triumphs not only bring honor to themselves but also shine a spotlight on Malaysia’s thriving sporting talents. We celebrate their success and look forward to their continued contributions to the sporting landscape of Malaysia.
Source: Borneopost, MalayMail
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