KUALA LUMPUR – The Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) will introduce the Popular Sports Commentator Award for the first time at the 2022 SAM-100Plus Awards, which will take place on August 29.
“The nominations for the best commentator will also include eSports gamecasters,” said SAM president Norismadi Abdul Manap.
At the same time, this year’s SAM Awards will also introduce six other awards, including the Leadership Icon Award, Best Athlete Award, Best Paralympic Athletes Award, Best Young Athlete Award, Best Sports Association Award, and the special 100Plus Outdo Yourself Award.
Norismadi said the leadership team is always looking for different approaches to enliven the ceremony, in addition to recognising sports media personnel in Malaysia.
“For this edition, we are introducing the Popular Reviewer Award with six candidates identified as a result of discussions with relevant parties, and the winner will be determined through public voting.”
“The voting process will begin today on social media, and we expect not only SAM members but also the national sports community to choose who deserves to win this award,” Norismadi said.
The SAM president added that the association is delighted and proud to witness reporters from eSports taking centre stage in the newly introduced award.
“SAM is pleased that three of the six nominees for the Popular Sports Commentator Award are eSports industry representatives, and I am pleased that the eSports media is being recognised on such a prestigious platform as the SAM-100Plus Awards,” said Norismadi.
The SAM Awards were started in 1985 to appreciate the roles of athletes and local sports media, with six main category awards contested since 2009.
The six categories are Best News Report (Print Media), Best News Report (Electronic Media), Best News Review (Print Media), Best News Review (Electronic Media), Best Special Report (Open), and Best Sports Photography.
This year, sports portals have submitted nearly 200 entries, 14 awards will be presented, and the Siebel Award winner will receive RM7,000 in cash. – August 21, 2023