KUALA LUMPUR: The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has been named the recipient of the Sports Leadership Icon Award at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS 2025 Awards, which is scheduled to take place in the capital next Wednesday (May 13).
In a statement Saturday (May 9), SAM announced that the recognition is given in honour of Tunku Ismail's extraordinary vision and leadership in transforming Johor's sporting landscape into one that is more professional and international in calibre.
As the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Tunku Ismail has also successfully built the club into one of the most successful and influential sports brands in Malaysia through consistent domestic dominance and commendable achievements on the Asian stage.
Beyond success on the field, Tunku Ismail has played a major role in strengthening JDT’s branding as a modern, world-class sports organisation through professional management, effective marketing strategies, modern infrastructure development and the utilisation of technology and sports science.
The establishment of a modern football academy and world-class facilities in Johor has served as a vital foundation in the effort to produce young talent systematically and competitively, in line with Tunku Ismail's aspiration to make Johor a model state for the Sporting Nation agenda by 2030.
Tunku Ismail's other efforts include the development of world-class infrastructure such as the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI), as well as the inspiration behind the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) and Khabib Gym, which have helped solidify Johor's position as a national sports hub.
His focus also extends beyond the football arena, as he pays close attention to the development of other sports including rugby, badminton, and motorsports.
In the field of motorsports, the establishment of the JDT Racing Team with the participation of national rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah reflects Tunku Ismail's determination to expand the Johor brand into prestigious sports while opening avenues for local talent development.
SAM vice-president and chairman of the SAM-100PLUS 2025 Awards Organising Committee, Mohd Hazreen Nor Mubarak, stated that Tunku Ismail's holistic and far-sighted approach to sports development has not only raised the standard of sports management in Johor but has also made the state a prime example of a modern sports ecosystem in Malaysia.
He added that the presentation of the Sports Leadership Icon Award is an appreciation of Tunku Ismail's dedication, leadership and significant impact in empowering Johor’s sports development and elevating the state’s image on the international stage.
At the awards ceremony, besides the Best Young Athlete and Dynamic Sports Association awards, other categories include the Best Athlete Award, Best Para Athlete Award and a Special Award.
In addition to recognising athletes who excelled and brought honour to Malaysia over the past year, the event also celebrates sports journalists, who have the opportunity to win a total of over RM65,000 in prize money.
The awards are divided into six categories: Best News Report (Print), Best News Report (Electronic), Best News Commentary (Print), Best News Commentary (Electronic), Best Special Report (Open), Best Sports Photography and the Popular Sports Commentator Award. - Bernama
