Hamdanwahid, Yee Voon named MASUM 2019 Sportsman, Sportswoman

MELAKA: Taekwondo athlete Hamdanwahid Rinaldi and karate athlete Khaw Yee Voon were named 2019 Malaysia University Sports Council (Masum) sportsman and sportswoman last night.

Hamdanwahid from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) who won bronze with his team at the 30th World University Games (Universiade) in Naples, Italy, edged out shooting athlete Mohamad Lutfi Othman from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Meanwhile, Khaw, who won a silver medal in the women's team for the Philippines SEA Games 2019, defeated archery athlete Iman Aisyah Narazam from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UnisZA).

The award, which includes a challenge trophy, RM3,000 cash, winner's trophy, and a certificate of appreciation for each winner, was presented by Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar.

When met after the event, Hamdanwahid, 22, said he never expected to be nominated as the sportsman, especially after the country was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

"Throughout the period, I only did my training and recover from injuries as there were no competitions to participate. My next target is the SEA Games Vietnam 2022 and if I qualify, I will give my best," he said.

For 27-year-old Khaw, it was a matter of pride and happiness for her to win this prestigious recognition.

Meanwhile, the Most Promising Male Athlete went to Hamdanwahid's teammate, Muhammad Arif Afifuddin Ab Malik from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), while Khairunnisa Nazri (netball) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) was named as the Most Promising Woman Athlete.

Eleven other awards were also given out, including the best university athlete, the best team in the men's and women's categories, as well as coaches and officials who always strive to develop the sports industry.

-- BERNAMA