Johor Regent honoured with Sports Leadership Icon Award for transforming state’s sports landscape
Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Regent of Johor, received the Sports Leadership Icon Award for transforming Johor’s sports sector, including developing Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) into a top Malaysian sports brand and building world-class facilities like the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. His initiatives span football, motorsports, rugby, and badminton, positioning Johor as a national sports hub by 2030.
The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has been honored with the Sports Leadership Icon Award at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS 2025 Awards, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur on May 15. The award recognizes his visionary leadership in elevating Johor’s sports landscape, particularly through his role as owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Malaysia’s most successful football club. Under his leadership, JDT has achieved consistent domestic dominance and international recognition, becoming a model for professional sports management. Beyond football, Tunku Mahkota Ismail has overseen the development of world-class infrastructure, including the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI), a modern football academy, and facilities like the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) and Khabib Gym. These initiatives support systematic talent development and align with Johor’s goal to become a leading sporting state by 2030. His efforts extend beyond football to other sports, including rugby, badminton, and motorsports. The establishment of the JDT Racing Team, featuring national rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, reflects his commitment to expanding Johor’s sports brand while nurturing local talent. The state’s holistic approach to sports development has set new standards in management and infrastructure, making Johor a prime example of a modern sports ecosystem in Malaysia. The SAM-100PLUS 2025 Awards will also honor athletes, including categories for Best Athlete, Best Para Athlete, and Best Young Athlete, alongside journalists competing for prizes totaling over RM65,000. The event celebrates both athletic achievements and media contributions, reinforcing the role of sports in Malaysia’s national identity. SAM Vice President Mohd Hazreen Nor Mubarak highlighted Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s dedication as a key factor in Johor’s sports growth, praising his leadership for elevating the state’s international standing. The award underscores his impact on sports development, branding, and infrastructure, positioning Johor as a benchmark for future initiatives.
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