Malaysia’s mixed doubles stars Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei have etched their names into the history books after becoming the first mixed doubles pair to win the National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards.
The duo, who grew up idolising Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei, described the recognition as a proud and emotional moment in their careers. Chong Wei himself won the prestigious National Sportsman award four times during his illustrious career.
The achievement adds to an already remarkable season for Tang Jie and Ee Wei, who were also named Best Athletes of 2025 at the SAM-100PLUS Awards last week. The pair enjoyed a breakthrough year after becoming the first Malaysian mixed doubles duo to capture gold at the BWF World Championships in Paris. They also lifted the Australian Open title and finished runners-up at the China Masters.
Tang Jie admitted he did not expect to receive the award and said he hopes he and Ee Wei can now inspire the next generation the same way Chong Wei inspired them growing up.
Ee Wei, meanwhile, credited discipline, hard work and faith for their success. She also thanked fans for continuously supporting the pair through both difficult and successful moments, saying the encouragement from supporters has given them extra motivation to keep pushing forward.
In the Paralympic category, para cyclist Mohd Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin emerged as a surprise winner of the Paralympic Sportsman of the Year award ahead of powerlifting world champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and long jumper Abdul Latif Romly.
Yusof made history last year by becoming the first Malaysian para cyclist to win a world championship gold medal after triumphing in the men’s C1 sprint event in Brazil. He dedicated the award to his parents and described the recognition as a reward for a decade of sacrifice and hard work.
