Malaysian sports stars: Six who’ve inspired a nation

The culturally rich country of Malaysia has produced remarkable icons in various sporting disciplines. These athletes have captivated audiences in Malaysia and beyond with their skill, determination, and passion.

Not only does the fanatical sports support in Malaysia take a keen interest in their national heroes, but the burgeoning online gambling and sports betting culture gripping the country has spawned a new set of fans intent on wagering on their heroes as they strive for international recognition and success, as readwrite Editor Micheal Austin explains:

“With an estimated 13.6 million football fans in the country, demand for betting online in Malaysia is increasing rapidly. Although sports betting in Malaysia remains unregulated, there are still plenty of options for online bettors.”

As betting thrives, an ever-increasing number of locals are using gambling platforms to wager on local favourites in scores of international events. The scores of football fans are joined by those supporting less mainstream sports, where Malaysian athletes are traditionally more successful. 

In celebration of these past successes, we’ll look at six Malaysian sports stars who have left indelible marks on their chosen professions.

Lee Chong Wei (Badminton)

Lee is one of badminton’s all-time great players, bringing sustained glory to Malaysian sport. With his impeccable technique, lightning-fast reflexes, and an indomitable spirit personifying his country, Lee dominated the world badminton scene for more than a decade, holding the position of the World’s best for 349 weeks. 

He captured multiple Olympic, World Championship, and Commonwealth Games medals, earning the respect and adoration of badminton fans worldwide. Lee Chong Wei’s resilience, prolonged dedication, and unwavering passion for his craft have entrenched him as a Malaysian sporting legend.

Pandelela Rinong (Diving)

Malaysian diving prodigy Pandelela has produced an array of fearless dives and stunning performances in international diving since debuting internationally at the 2007 Asian Junior Aquatics Championships, winning four gold medals. She then made history at the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the first Malaysian female athlete to win an Olympic medal by clinching bronze in the 10m platform event. 

Since then, Pandelela has continued to excel, winning numerous medals at future Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships and the FINA Diving World Cup. Pandelela Rinong’s ability and unwavering focus have earned admiration from her fans and fellow athletes alike.

Azizulhasni Awang (Track Cycling)

Azizulhasni, the “Pocket Rocketman,” has propelled Malaysia to new heights in the track cycling world through a prolonged series of international feats. His tenacity and explosive speed on the track saw him hold the World number one ranking in Keirin for 2008/09 and 2010/11.

Despite trouble with injuries throughout his career, Azizulhasni Awang won several Olympic, World Championship, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medals between 2008 and 2020, with his perseverance and ability to overcome adversity propelling him to success, inspiring a generation of Malaysian and other cyclists.

Nicol David (Squash)

Nicol is affectionately known as the “Queen of Squash,” having redefined the sport in Malaysia with her unparalleled dominance and exceptional skill on the court. Her unprecedented nine World Championship titles are a record, and she also boasts three World Games, two Commonwealth Games, and seven Asian Games gold medals. 

 After being given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch for Malaysia in the 2004 Athens Olympics, the country appointed Nicol as its UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador. In 2008, she was honoured with the D.B. (Darjah Bakti) Order of Merit to coincide with His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin’s birthday. Nicol David now promotes sports and education for all ages and backgrounds, cementing her status as a prominent personality in Malaysian sports.

Danny Chia (Golf)

Danny has been an enduring personality on the Asian Golf Tour for nearly 30 years, winning two Tour events to add to the other 26 achieved through his accomplished career. The first of his Asian Tour wins, the 2002 Taiwan Open,  was the first by a Malaysian golfer. 

A three-time Malaysian Amateur champion before turning pro in 1996, he became only the second Malaysian to play in The Open Championship in 2002. He played the European major on three further occasions, finishing tied for 55th in 2010. Danny Chia also represented Malaysia in the WGC-World Cup in 2001 and 2002, with his international performances solidifying his place as one of Malaysia’s top golfing talents.

Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli (Athletics)

Along with her twin sister Zaidatul Husna, Zaidatul Husniah has represented Malaysia as a sprinter at the national level. As the more successful of the sisters, she was a three-time ASEAN University Games medallist before transferring her success to the senior International athletics arena. Between 2015 and 2023, Zaidatul Husniah has won six Southeast Asian Games medals and one in the Asian Games.

Primarily competing in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay, Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli qualified and represented Malaysia in the 100 metres event at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics and is known as one of her country’s elite sprinters, inspiring younger sprinters like Azreen Nabila Alias to fulfil their Olympic dreams, which she did as a 20-year-old in the same event at the 2020 Beijing Games.