Who dominates the sports scene in Malaysia?
From badminton courts to the soccer fields, who shines the brightest?
Discover the most popular athletes from Malaysia and witness how they have transformed the landscape of their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Malaysia.
Most popular athletes from Malaysia:
- Lee Chong Wei
- Nicol David
- Pandelela Rinong
- Azizulhasni Awang
- Mohd Faiz Subri
- Welson Sim
- Siti Safiyah Amirah
- Datuk Zulfahmi Khairuddin
- Nurul Huda Abdullah
- Goh Liu Ying
- Josiah Ng
- Noraseela Mohd Khalid
- Mohamad Azizulhindra Othman
Table of Contents
#1 Lee Chong Wei
- 🏆 Sport(s): Badminton
- 🎂 Born in: 1982
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3 Olympic Silver Medals
Lee Chong Wei, widely regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time, has consistently dominated the sport with his incredible speed and agility. With numerous titles under his belt, he has become a role model and inspiration to aspiring athletes in Malaysia and around the world.
Off the court, his humble personality and charitable endeavors have endeared him to the hearts of fans and fellow athletes alike.
#2 Nicol David
- 🏆 Sport(s): Squash
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 8-time World Champion
Nicol David, known as the “Queen of Squash,” has cemented her status as one of the greatest squash players in history. With numerous records and a long-standing world number one ranking, her relentless determination and skill have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Out of the court, Nicol’s philanthropic pursuits have demonstrated her commitment to giving back to the community and empowering future generations of athletes.
#3 Pandelela Rinong
- 🏆 Sport(s): Diving
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- Biggest Achievement: Olympic Bronze and Silver Medalist
Pandelela Rinong is a celebrated Malaysian diver and an inspiration to athletes in her country. Her remarkable achievements on the international stage, including multiple medals at World Championships and Olympics, have made her an icon in Malaysian sports.
Off the diving platform, her dedication and perseverance have been an inspiration for young athletes to chase their dreams.
#4 Azizulhasni Awang
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1988
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Bronze Medalist and World Champion
Azizulhasni Awang, nicknamed “The Pocket Rocketman,” has made a name for himself in the world of track cycling. His impressive achievements include winning a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and becoming a world champion in the keirin event.
His incredible determination and passion for the sport have made him a popular figure in Malaysia and an inspiration to aspiring cyclists.
#5 Mohd Faiz Subri
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: FIFA Puskás Award Winner
Mohd Faiz Subri made history as the first Malaysian to win the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal in 2016. His incredible free-kick in a Malaysian Super League match gained worldwide attention, putting Malaysian soccer on the map.
His extraordinary talent and creativity have made him a fan favorite and an inspiration for up-and-coming soccer players in Malaysia.
#6 Welson Sim
- 🏆 Sport(s): Swimming
- 🎂 Born in: 1997
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Southeast Asian Games Champion and National Record Holder
Welson Sim, a rising star in Malaysian swimming, has already made quite an impact in regional and international competitions. With multiple gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games and several national records, he has emerged as one of the country’s brightest talents in the pool.
His unwavering dedication to the sport has made him a beacon of hope for the future of Malaysian swimming.
#7 Siti Safiyah Amirah
- 🏆 Sport(s): Bowling
- 🎂 Born in: 1990
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Multiple Gold Medals at the Asian and World Championships
Siti Safiyah Amirah, one of Malaysia’s most successful bowlers, has consistently showcased her remarkable talent at both the Asian and World Championships. Her numerous gold medals and impressive performances have made her one of the top female bowlers in the world.
Her success has inspired and paved the way for aspiring bowlers in Malaysia to follow in her footsteps.
#8 Datuk Zulfahmi Khairuddin
- 🏆 Sport(s): Motorcycle Racing
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: First Malaysian rider to compete in and score points in MotoGP class
Datuk Zulfahmi Khairuddin made his mark in Malaysian sports history as the first Malaysian rider to compete in and score points in the MotoGP class. His tenacity and determination have been an inspiration to aspiring motorcycle racers in the country.
Off the track, his passion for the sport and mentoring young riders have greatly impacted the growth and development of Malaysian motorcycle racing.
#9 Nurul Huda Abdullah
- 🏆 Sport(s): Swimming
- 🎂 Born in: 1973
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3-time Asian Games Gold Medalist
Nurul Huda Abdullah, one of Malaysia’s most successful swimmers, is considered a national sports icon. With multiple Asian Games gold medals to her name, her unmatched talent has elevated the standard for Malaysian swimming.
Off the pool, her exemplary sportsmanship and dedication to the sport have served as a beacon of inspiration for countless aspiring athletes to excel in swimming and beyond.
#10 Goh Liu Ying
- 🏆 Sport(s): Badminton
- 🎂 Born in: 1989
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Silver Medalist in Mixed Doubles
Goh Liu Ying has accumulated a wealth of success in badminton, most notably as an Olympic silver medalist in mixed doubles. Her partnership with Chan Peng Soon has consistently ranked among the world’s best, and they continue to be formidable opponents in the international badminton scene.
Her resilient spirit and commitment to the sport have endeared her to fans and aspiring badminton players in Malaysia.
#11 Josiah Ng
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1980
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Multiple Asian Games Gold Medalist
Josiah Ng, an accomplished track cyclist, has contributed to Malaysia’s success in the cycling world with numerous gold medals at the Asian Games and a strong presence in international competitions. His dedication and passion for the sport have been an inspiration to many.
Retired from competitive racing, Josiah has focused on sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge through coaching and mentoring the next generation of Malaysian cyclists.
#12 Noraseela Mohd Khalid
- 🏆 Sport(s): Hurdles
- 🎂 Born in: 1979
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 5-time SEA Games Gold Medalist
Noraseela Mohd Khalid, a dominant force in Southeast Asian women’s hurdling, has consistently excelled in her discipline throughout her career. With an impressive tally of five gold medals at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, she is regarded as one of Malaysia’s finest track and field athletes.
Her perseverance and determination to overcome hurdles both on the track and off have been a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region.
#13 Mohamad Azizulhindra Othman
- 🏆 Sport(s): Artistic Gymnastics
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: SEA Games Gold Medalist and Asian Championship Medalist
Mohamad Azizulhindra Othman, a talented artistic gymnast, has proven his prowess through success at the SEA Games and Asian Championships. His contributions have played a significant role in elevating Malaysia’s presence in international gymnastics competitions.
As a dedicated athlete with remarkable skills, Azizulhindra continues to be a role model for young Malaysian gymnasts with dreams of representing their country on the world stage.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Malaysia?
Lee Chong Wei, a badminton player, is considered the greatest athlete in Malaysian history.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Malaysia?
Badminton player Nicol David is Malaysia’s most popular female athlete.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Malaysia?
Badminton fosters the most popular athletes in Malaysia.
Which athlete from Malaysia is the most popular internationally?
Badminton player Lee Chong Wei is the most internationally recognized Malaysian athlete.
