Congrats, Haresh

This is what the Best Sportswriter of the 2011 has to say: (Taken from his blog- Foul - of course, without consent)


...I would have shaved my face!

In the past, I was informed via SMS that I was a nominee for a couple of categories (2009 and 2010 Awards) but not this year.

There were no hints this time around and I genuinely believed I was not shortlisted.

Nevertheless, I was surprised - pleasantly surprised - that my front page article 'Deplorable' (published on July 22, 2011) on the pathetic state of the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil bagged the Best Special Report (Print & Electronic) en route to me being named the Best Sportswriter of the Year (2011).

Thank you to the sports desk for allowing me the freedom to hunt and develop MY own stories.

And thank you to the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia for the recognition. It means a lot to me and the timing couldn't have been better.

SAM-100PLUS Awards 2011

LIST OF WINNERS

Athlete Of The year: Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi (Shooting)

Young Athlete Of The Year: Zulfadli Zulkifli (Badminton)

Out-Do Yourself: National Under-23 team (Football)

Comeback Athlete Of The Year: Sam Chong (Snooker)

Most Dynamic Sports Association: Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress

Best Sports Journalist: Haresh Deol (The Malay Mail)

Best Sports Report (Print): Aziman Rosdi (Harian Metro)

Best Sports Report (Electronic): Wan Norbazly Wan Azmi (Astro Arena)

Best Sports Commentary: Muhammad Dayne Azmin Ghazali (Utusan Malaysia)

Best Sports Commentary: Mohd Fadzrie Hazis (Astro Awani)

Best Special Report (Print & Electronic): Haresh Deol (The Malay Mail)

Best Sports Photographer: S.S. Kanesan (The Star)

Pic: Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek handing the Best Sports Journalist award to Haresh. .