JOHOR BARU: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) midfielder Muhammad Afiq Fazail celebrated double joy on Monday (Sept 29) when he was named Johor Sportsman of the Year 2025 on his birthday.
Muhammad Afiq, 31, said he did not expect to receive the recognition but considered it as motivation to continue pushing his career further.
"I am very grateful and honoured. This recognition motivates me to continue working hard.
"To young athletes out there, don’t give up easily because success always comes with challenges and sacrifices," he told reporters at the 31th Johor Sports Award at the Johor Baru City Council building here on Monday night.
Also recognised at the ceremony was athletics sprinter Umar Osman, who was named Johor Promising Sportsman.
Umar, who is also pursuing a diploma at Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan in Pasir Gudang, said he was determined to balance his studies with training under coach Simon Lau.
"My main target is to run under 46 seconds this year. I am taking things step by step, but with discipline and the support of my parents and coach, I believe I can reach my goals,” he said.
Johor state youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the awards were an important platform to honour the sacrifices and achievements of Johor athletes, coaches and sports contributors.
“Sports is a medium that unites the people, builds discipline and produces a competitive generation. Johor continues to prove its position as a sports powerhouse with athletes excelling at national and international levels.
“Such success would not be possible without the support of the state government, sports bodies, sponsors, families and fans,” he said.
Other winners at the ceremony included table tennis athlete Tee Ai Xin as Johor Sportswoman of the Year, and badminton athlete Dania Sofa Zaidi as Johor's Most Promising Sportswoman. Both did not attend the ceremony and their awards were presented to their representatives.
JDT FC and the Johor women’s basketball team bagged the best men’s and women’s team awards, respectively.
The night also saw the appointment of new Johor Youth Icons, professional boxer Muhamad Farkhan Haron, track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, JDT Racing rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah and hip-hop artiste Joe Flizzow.
