Badminton star Aaron Chia and wushu champion Tan Cheong Min honoured as Melaka’s Sportsman and Sportswoman for 2023/2024 season.
NATIONAL men’s doubles badminton player Aaron Chia and women’s wushu athlete Tan Cheong Min were named Melaka Sportsman and Sportswoman 2023/2024 at the 39th Melaka Sports Awards ceremony.
Aaron, 28, claimed the title for the second consecutive year following outstanding international performances including a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The badminton star also finished as runner-up at the 2024 All England Championships in Birmingham.
Tan Cheong Min, 27, excelled in wushu with two gold medals at the 32nd Cambodia SEA Games 2023 and a silver at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.
She also secured a gold and silver medal at the 3rd IWUF Taolu World Cup 2024 in China.
Both athletes received their awards from Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, taking home a challenge trophy and RM3,000 cash prize each.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the ceremony recognised the courage, dedication and perseverance of state athletes.
“The state government has never overlooked your hard work,” he stated in his speech.
“Every sacrifice and effort made by Melaka’s sporting heroes will always be a source of pride and admiration.”
He announced the state government had allocated RM213,000 for eight categories of the Melaka Sports Awards, including incentive prizes for athletes’ victories.
Ab Rauf pledged to continue uplifting sports in Melaka through inclusive development programmes.
The chief minister received the Melaka Sports Sustainability Icon Award at the ceremony.
Former national football player Ramli Junit was honoured with a Special Award for his contributions.
Wushu athlete Lee Ronn was named Promising Sportsman while weightlifter Nurul Syasya Khairina Samsur earned Promising Sportswoman honours.
The Melaka Men’s Football Team claimed Best Men’s Team after reaching the 21st Malaysia Games final following a 34-year wait.
The Melaka Badminton Association received the Best Association Award, while Chai Chin Hin (wushu) and Mohd Syahrizan Che Omar (pencak silat) were honoured as Best Coaches. – Bernama
