Wushu world champion Cheong Min and Malaysia’s top mixed doubles shuttlers, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, have been officially shortlisted as finalists for the prestigious SAM-100PLUS Awards today. The awards, organized by the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM), recognize the country's most outstanding sporting achievements over the past year. Cheong Min’s inclusion comes on the back of her historic gold medal performances on the world stage, while the badminton duo is being honored for their rapid rise into the world’s top rankings. 

The competition for the "Athlete of the Year" crown is expected to be incredibly tight, as the finalists represent the pinnacle of Malaysian sports excellence in 2025-2026. Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei have become household names due to their high-energy playing style and consistent podium finishes in the BWF World Tour. Meanwhile, Cheong Min remains a symbol of consistency in martial arts, having successfully defended her titles against elite international competition, making her a strong contender for the top prize. 

The winners will be announced at a grand gala ceremony later this month, which is expected to be attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports and various sporting legends. Beyond the main athlete award, SAM will also recognize the best sports journalists and photographers for their contribution to the local sporting landscape. This year’s awards are seen as a celebration of Malaysia's diverse sporting talent, spanning from traditional court games like badminton to combat sports like wushu.