KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin has been named the Tokoh Kepimpinan Sukan at the 2024 Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) Awards, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the development of Malaysian football.
SAM deputy president Izahar Atan said the award was a fitting tribute to Hamidin’s consistent, far-reaching, and high-impact efforts in shaping the national football landscape.
“Hamidin has not only demonstrated expertise in football management, but also shown exceptional leadership that has inspired many,” Izahar said in a statement.
“His clarity of vision, bold decision-making, and unwavering commitment to the growth of football are key factors behind his selection for this year’s award.”
Hamidin, who was recently appointed honorary president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), has dedicated more than three decades to strengthening Malaysia’s football ecosystem, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the country’s sporting history.
His journey began in 1995 as executive secretary of the Football Association of Selangor (FAS), where his talent in sports administration quickly became apparent.
He went on to serve as FAS secretary-general from 1998 to 2013 — a 15-year period in which Selangor clinched 18 trophies, including five Malaysia Cup titles, reinforcing the Red Giants’ dominance in Malaysian football.
Hamidin later brought his wealth of experience to the national stage, serving as FAM secretary-general for five years before being elected president in 2018.
During his tenure, he introduced structural and developmental reforms, but his crowning achievement came when Malaysia qualified on merit for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup — ending a 43-year wait and signalling a new era for the Harimau Malaya squad.
Among the initiatives credited to Hamidin is the launch of FAM’s naturalised and heritage player programme, which strengthened the national team with a blend of naturalised and homegrown talent — a move that proved decisive in securing Asian Cup qualification.
Beyond football, Hamidin has also made significant contributions to national sports development.
He previously served as deputy president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and made history as the first FAM president to be appointed as chef de mission for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The SAM 2024 Awards ceremony will take place on July 14 at Sunway Resort Hotel, Petaling Jaya, and will be officiated by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. — July 10, 2025