Tekong Farhan sets benchmark in winning Sportsman award
SHAH ALAM: Sepak takraw tekong Farhan Adam received the biggest surprise of his life when he was named as the best sportsman during the 2018 Selangor Sports Awards.
The 29-year-old is the first sepak takraw player to win the award yesterday.
Farhan, who won gold in the inter-regu and silver in the team regu at the Asian Games in Jakarta last August, received the trophy from Tengku Indera Setia Selangor Tengku Ahmad Shah.
Farhan said he never expected to win the award as sepak takraw is a team sport.
“I was surprised when my name was called out. There were three other strong contenders in my category. It’s truly an honour for me and the sport,” said Farhan, a father of two.
The other candidates for the award were Muhd Faizul Nasir from pencak silat, Tun Ameerul Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam (bowling) and Zulhilmie Redzuan (lawn bowls).
Buoyed by the recognition, Farhan is motivated to help Malaysia win gold in the SEA Games in the Philippines in December this year.
Meanwhile, there was no surprise for the sportswoman award as national rhythmic gymnast Amy Kwan Dict Weng was declared winner for sweeping one gold (ribbon), one silver (team ) and two bronzes (all-around and hoop) at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, last year.
The 24-year-old Amy was all smiles and said it would motivate her to return to competition soon. She has just started doing some
light training after undergoing an ankle surgery last December.
“I’m not sure when I will compete in my first competition this year but
I hope to be ready for the SEA Games,” said Amy, who was the recipient of the 2018 Olympian of the Year award.