World-Class Athletes – Malaysia’s Very Own

Datuk Nicol Ann David was inducted into the World Squash Federation Hall of Fame as part of the World Squash Awards programme at the World Open Championship. She is currently ranked world No.1 in women’s squash.

Ranked as world No. 1 in badminton, Datuk Lee Chong Wei is a source of inspiration for future Malaysian athletes wishing to make a mark on the world stage.

Diver Pandelela Rinong scored many firsts under her belt, including Malaysia’s first female flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics and the first female Olympic medalist for the country.

Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah’s gold medal victory in the 2011 SEA Games made her the youngest gold medalist (she was only eight) in the history of the games. She has continually moved up in the world rankings in the waterboard and waterski sport.

Bodybuilder Sazali Samad clinched his 9th world title championships in 2013, beating other younger contenders. He is probably the most decorated bodybuilder Malaysia has ever produced.

Professional track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang became the first Malaysian to win a medal at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

Malaysia’s most successful wushu exponent Chai Fong Ying is a three-time winner at the World Championships in the taiji discipline. She created history by becoming the first Malaysian woman exponent to win a gold at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.

At the age of 15, former international cricketer Arul Suppiah became the youngest player to play for Malaysia. While playing for his club in England, he set a new world record in 2011 for the best bowling figures in Twenty20 cricket.

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