MELAKA – Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail is grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve in the National Sports Council (NSC) to take Malaysian sports to a higher level.
The 60-year-old retired from his position as director-general of the NSC today having taken the helm from the late Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong in 2014.
Shapawi, who also celebrated his birthday today, said he is excited to start a new chapter in his life.
“Today is my 60th birthday and I’m going to start a new chapter in my life as a retiree.
“I had been given the opportunity to lead the NSC to bring a new dimension to Malaysian sports. I’m grateful that we managed to prove something at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 2017 (Malaysia emerged as overall champions).
“Another proud moment is placing fourth at the 1998 Commonwealth Games (also in Kuala Lumpur). That was a big challenge, especially being hosts, but we managed it well,” he said.
During his tenure, Shapawi likely played a significant role in shaping the direction and development of sports in the country.
However, the Organising Committee chairman of the Le Tour de Langkawi is left with one regret.
“We still have not fulfilled the nation’s target of winning an Olympic gold medal.
“Even though we’ve won gold medals in the Paralympics, we are still yet to win one in the Summer Games.
“I will pray for Malaysia to break the duck and win an Olympic gold,” he said.
Moving forward, Shapawi hopes for better coordination and cooperation from the state to the national level to create creative training programmes to ensure success in the future of Malaysian sports.
He is also looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and family in retirement.
“I have grandchildren now that I want to spend time with, and my family too.
“But if there are sports associations that need my service, I’m ready to help out with Malaysian sports,” he said. – September 28, 2023