We need game changers like Nicol, Shalin to reshape sports future

A FRIEND asked recently if I knew the story behind the Nobel Prize. I know about it, but not the story of its origin.

The Nobel Prize is given to individuals or organisations for making profound contributions to peace and progress. But who started it – and why?

It was Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite. Explosive news, isn’t it?

Wanting to leave a better legacy and reshape how history would remember him, Nobel donated most of his wealth to establish the prize.

Today, he is known more for this prestigious award than for inventing something that blasts things to smithereens.

That’s a game-changing legacy.

It’s this kind of game-changing mindset that Malaysian sports needs – fresh leadership, ethical governance, meaningful results, and a clean image.

Take former national football striker Safee Sali, for example.

At 41, he made the bold decision to step down as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM), despite doing well in the role.

His reason? He believes it’s time for the younger generation to step up.

In contrast, so many others still hold on to their positions even when they have little to show. If they’re not part of change, they should make way for those who can be.

Then, there’s Datuk Nicol David, the eight-time world squash champion who continues to evolve beyond her playing days.

Now 41, Nicol is empowering communities through the Nicol David Organisation (NDO). Through programmes like Little Legends and Ibu Legends, she’s reaching out to B40 families, using sports, education, and mental health support to spark lasting change.

Already, 130 children – 51% boys and 49% girls – have benefited, and the initiative keeps growing.

Another inspiring figure is former bowling queen Datuk Shalin Zulkifli.

After a 30-year career, the 47-year-old is now the head of the career unit at the Malaysian Athletes and Career Education (MACE) secretariat under the National Sports Council.

Changing the mindset of athletes isn’t easy, but Shalin, with her driven personality, is making strides. Under her guidance, more athletes are pursuing and completing their education.

And let’s not forget 40-year-old Mohd Najwan Halimi, Selangor’s state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship.

In a recent meeting with sports editors, he stood out for his clarity and intent. As the man in charge of organising the next Malaysia Games (Sukma), he has pledged to bring the event back to its roots – focusing on talent development, not just medal tallies. In short, a return to the original, honourable aims of the Games.

Expect meaningful reforms when Sukma returns to Selangor next year after 28 years.

Others are also stepping up: Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi (hockey) and Datuk Lee Chong Wei (badminton) through the Road to Gold programme, as well as coaches like Beh Lee Wei (table tennis), Wendy Chai, Alex Liew, and Ben Heng (bowling). They are all striving to make an impact in their respective domains.

And let’s not forget former influential figures like the late Datuk Sieh Kok Chi, Datuk Mazlan Ahmad and Sidney Tung, who all left behind a legacy as sports administrators of integrity.

What we need now are more bold individuals with the right intent – people not interested in making noise for attention, but quietly building a better, fairer, and more united sporting ecosystem.

The path won’t be easy. Resistance is inevitable. But with the kind of determination shown by the people above, no hurdle is insurmountable.

And who knows? If we get it right, Malaysian sport too can have its own version of the Nobel legacy.