The Governor of Melaka, Tun Dr. Mohd Ali Rustam, has been chosen as the recipient of the Sports Leadership Award at the Malaysian Sports Writers Association (SAM)-100PLUS 2023 Awards Ceremony.
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The Governor of Melaka, Tun Dr. Mohd Ali Rustam received the Sports Leadership Award for Malaysian Sports Writers Association (SAM)-100PLUS 2023 Awards Ceremony from Ismadi Abdul Manap, President, Sports Writers Association of Malaysia
The Governor of Melaka, Tun Dr. Mohd Ali Rustam, has been chosen as the recipient of the Sports Leadership Award at the Malaysian Sports Writers Association (SAM)-100PLUS 2023 Awards Ceremony.
He is a prominent figure in the country's political and administrative landscape and has also played a significant role in the national sports arena. His passion for martial arts is undeniable.
According to SAM Vice President, Mohd Hazreen Mubarak, Tun Dr. Mohd Ali's selection as the recipient of the Sports Leadership Award at the SAM-100PLUS 2023 Awards is in recognition of his contributions to the martial arts sports scene.
“Tun Dr. Mohd Ali Rustam's involvement in sports is remarkably superb. His leadership success is evidenced by the achievements of the Malaysian Karate Federation (MAKAF) and the National Silat Federation of Malaysia (PESAKA), which have gained international recognition,” said Mohd Hazreen, who is also the Chairman of the Awards Organizing Committee.
Leading MAKAF for 13 years is no short stint. Although he ended his service with the federation in 2023, his love for the sport is evident as he now serves as the patron of the governing sports body.
During Tun Dr. Mohd Ali's leadership, the national karate squad achieved numerous successes, often referred to as a "gold mine" for medals at various sports events such as the SEA Games and the Asian Games. Notably, Malaysia achieved its best performance with one silver and one bronze medal at the WKF World Championships in Germany in 2014.
Tun Dr. Mohd Ali's role has been outstanding not only at the local level but also internationally, as he was appointed to the Executive Committee of the World Karate Federation (WKF).
In addition to MAKAF, PESAKA also benefited from Tun Dr. Mohd Ali's exceptional guidance during his 20-year leadership, which concluded in 2020.
During his 75-year-old leadership, PESAKA achieved a series of world champion titles.
Besides recognizing outstanding athletes who brought glory to Malaysia throughout 2023, the SAM-100PLUS 2023 Awards Ceremony also celebrated sports journalists who had the chance to win a total cash prize of over RM50,000.
The awards were divided into six categories - Best News Report (Print Media), Best News Report (Electronic Media), Best News Commentary (Print Media), Best News Commentary (Electronic Media), Best Special Report (Open), and Best Sports Photography.
The overall best winner in the sports journalism category will be honored with the Siebel Award, which includes a cash prize of RM7,000 and a trophy.
The Popular Sports Commentator Award is also being contested, with six candidates identified, and the winner will be determined through online public voting.