KUALA LUMPUR: National athletes – archer Haziq Kamaruddin and diver Pandelela Rinong – have been crowned Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) sportsman and sportswoman for 2012 respectively.

Both athletes, who represented the country in the 2012 London Olympics, were picked based on their performances at the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia. Haziq, 19, from Johor Baru, said although he was knocked out in the early stages of the archery competition in London, “being crowned Sportsman of the Year will certainly boost my confidence to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil”.

“My focus will now be on qualifying for the Olympics in Rio,” said Haziq after receiving his trophy from Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin yesterday.

Raja Nong Chik, in his speech, urged BJSS students to work on their physical and mental strength as well as their discipline.

Citing the success of South Koreans in golf, he said that although the Koreans had just ventured into golf about 10 years ago, they have emerged as world beaters since then.

“The main elements are mental strength and discipline. If athletes have both these qualities, we too can excel in any field although our population is small,” he said. — Bernama

• Please wait.

• English tries hand Rebels first win over Waratahs
• Nadal, Djokovic on semi-final collision course in Paris
• England turn to youth to take on Barbarians
• British Open: Nicol David deals with disruptions for semi spot
• Cruden, Clarke help Chiefs claim crucial Crusaders win
• European football final adds new chapter to Adidas-Puma rivalry
• Former Giro winner Di Luca tests positive for EPO
• Jockey Ahern lodges appeal against 10-year ban
• Giro stage called off after heavy snow overnight
• Ryan Palmer sizzles with 62 to seize lead at Colonial