Malek Noor

FORMER national bodybuilder Abdul Malek Noor has won many accolades, including the Mr Asia crown six times and he is honoured to be inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Hall of Fame.

Abdul Malek, who was the 1986 Sportsman of the Year, was one of the 10 sports personalities, honoured during the Coca-Cola Olympian of the Year 2007 awards held in Kuala Lumpur.

The other nine inducted into the Hall of Fame were Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak (hockey), Tan Sri Elyas Omar (badminton, cycling, football), Datuk T. Paul Murugasu (football), Tunku Datuk Seri Adnan Tunku Besar Burhanuddin (hockey, judo), Tan Sri P. Alagendra (hockey), Datuk Tan Chin Nam (chess), Shaharuddin Jaafar (cycling), Yew Cheng Hoe (badminton) and Ng Seow Meng (badminton).

Abdul Malek, the executive director of Universal Fitness and Leisure (UFL) as well as the president of Gym Rakyat, said he felt proud to line up alongside the sports personalities.

A proud moment: (From Left) Abdul Malek with Billy Ng, Yew and Shaharuddin after they all received medals for being inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame.

“I have won many awards but to be listed with these personalities is the biggest honour. I am indeed proud to be appreciated for my contributions to bodybuilding,'' said a beaming Abdul Malek.

Datuk Dr M. Jegathesan, who earned fame as the first Malaysian to enter the semi-final stage in athletics in the Olympics, was named as the recipient of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) trophy for sport and promotion of Olympism.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was the guest of honour, visited the OCM Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and her deputy Datuk Liow Tiong Lai were also present.

Swimmers Daniel Bego and Khoo Cai Lin were named as the Olympians of the Year. They received the award for their impressive performances in the SEA Games in Korat last year.