MAHADZER MOKHTAR WINS MAKSAK BEST ATHLETE AWARD 2011

THE BEST... Mahadzer with the MAKSAK Best Athlete Award 2011 received at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) recently.

PULAU PINANG, 7 Feb. – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) did it again when Mahadzer Mokhtar, 30, was named Best Athlete of the Civil Servants Sports & Welfare Organisation (MAKSAK) 2011.

The MAKSAK Athlete Awards 2011 was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on 28 January. The award was presented by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan in appreciation of his hard work and excellent performance in the game of sepak takraw since 10 years ago.

Mahadzer brought back the Ketua Setiausaha Negara Cup, a trophy, medal, certificate and electronic goods.

When asked how he felt after receiving the award, Mahadzer said he was surprised and excited.

“I never expected to be named Best Athlete of MAKSAK 2010 because many of those nominated were not only good but experienced as well,” said Mahadzer.

“I’m extremely fortunate and thankful because this award is an acknowledgement for both Penang and USM,” he added.

Mahadzer is the first staff member from a Public Institute of Higher Education (IPTA) since 1995 to have received this award.

“I will continue to help USM in preparing the next generation of athletes who are not only excellent in sepak takraw but also in the development of sports at the national and international levels,” he said during an interview.

The award is in recognition and appreciation of civil servants who excel in sports not only at MAKSAK level but also at national and international levels.

Mahadzer, a Youth and Sports Assistant at the Sports and Recreational Centre received the award together with National Body Builder, Sazali Abdul Samad (PDRM) and also national shooter Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).

Mahadzer has represented USM since 2000. He was also selected to represent Penang for eight consecutive years starting 1997 in various national and international competitions and was also involved in the promotion of sepak takraw in Brazil in 2003 with three other USM staff, Noor Ariffin Pawanteh, Mohd. Rahmat Che Din and Shahril Abd Sukor.

They have won several local competitions and were selected to represent Malaysian Selected Team for the Tasik Air Putih Cup in Indonesia from 2004-2005 in the championship organized by ASTAF (Asean Sepak Takraw Federation).  Mahadzer was recognised as the best ‘tekong’ for seven years at the Penang-state level games from 2003-2009.

Mahadzer served for four years at the Development Department, USM and six years at the Hamzah Sendut Library before moving on to the USM Sports and Recreational Centre.