KUALA LUMPUR: At an age when many would gladly put their feet up and slow down, seasoned journalist Muhammad Rizal Hashim continues to produce award-winning work, proving experience, patience and craftsmanship still matter.
The journalist, who turns 56 in August, emerged as the biggest winner at the recent Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100Plus Awards after taking home two honours, including the prestigious Siebel Award.
A long-time SAM member and passionate football follower, especially of the French game, Rizal won for his article “Bagaimana seorang pemegang pasport British menyarung jersi Harimau Malaya” (How a British passport holder wore the Harimau Malaya jersey), published on Stadium Astro on Nov 13, 2025.
The article first won Best Special Report before earning him the coveted Siebel Award, named after Norman Siebel, a founding SAM member and legendary sports journalist.
This is Rizal’s second win, as he was awarded Best Sports Journalist in 2014.
Ironically, Rizal was the person who proposed naming SAM’s top award after prominent journalists in 2013.
The change was implemented in 2016, when Twentytwo13 editor Haresh Deol, then the executive editor of The Malay Mail, won the award for Best Sports Journalist of 2015.
Currently, both Rizal and Haresh host Julang, a podcast aired on YouTube, with clips shared across social media platforms.
Rizal said the recognition reaffirmed that traditional journalism, grounded in reporting, verification and storytelling, still holds relevance in an era dominated by algorithms, social media trends and clickbait headlines.
“What excites me is that the art of covering sports still has the power to surprise – even in 2026,” Rizal said.
“It goes beyond scores or statistics. It’s about uncovering the human drama, the cultural shifts and the business forces shaping the games.
“Sports journalism still matters because it translates fleeting moments into lasting stories, giving context to what athletes and fans experience in real time.”
That philosophy has guided Rizal throughout his more than 30 years in Malaysian sports journalism.
While technology has transformed how audiences consume information, he believes the core principles of journalism remain unchanged.
“The grind of reporting, verifying and storytelling stays the same,” he said when asked whether winning the Siebel Award would change anything.
“Awards are less about personal glory and more about validation that the work resonates.”
His remarks come at a time when the media industry continues to wrestle with rapid transformation. Coverage has shifted from newspapers to television, websites, mobile platforms and social media.
Rizal acknowledged many organisations struggled to adapt quickly enough, particularly when digital traffic became the primary focus.
He said some outlets damaged their credibility by prioritising clicks over substance.
“The biggest mistakes outlets made? Chasing clicks at the expense of credibility, underestimating how quickly audiences migrate, and failing to adapt to athletes becoming their own media channels,” he said.
“Some of us were slow to embrace this change. And some prefer clickbait over substance.”
He added that social media has effectively turned athletes into media channels, allowing them to communicate directly with supporters.
Rizal cited former national cyclist Josiah Ng as one of the earliest Malaysian athletes to understand the power of direct communication when he started tweeting before the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Still, Rizal argued journalism retains an irreplaceable role.
“We offer context, accountability and depth,” he said.
“Journalists are the ones who can connect the dots, investigate beyond the Instagram post, hold power to account and offer an objective view.
“Otherwise, the conversation risks becoming pure public relations. Journalists remain the third eye.”
That “third eye” perspective is becoming increasingly important in Malaysian sports coverage, where Rizal believes certain sports continue to dominate attention at the expense of others.
“In Malaysia, some sports are over-covered – football dominates headlines endlessly,” he said.
“What is often ignored? Grassroots sports, women’s leagues and niche disciplines like athletics or esports that have passionate followings but little mainstream coverage. Journalism has the chance to broaden the lens.”
His observations also extend to the next generation of reporters entering the profession.
While he praised younger journalists for their adaptability and ability to master digital tools, he said long-term success still depends on timeless reporting skills.
“If I were mentoring someone, I’d tell them to master data literacy: the ability to interpret analytics, contracts and performance metrics, then translate them into stories.
“That skill bridges traditional reporting with modern demands. Last but not least, they must have the resilience to go the extra mile.
“This will separate them from the rest. Young journalists may master the tools, but senior ones master the timeless craft of turning information into meaning.”
That blend of modern awareness and old-school discipline perhaps explains why Rizal’s work continues to resonate.
Roll of honour
Best News Report (Print Media): Aida Adilah Mat (Harian Metro)
Best News Report (Electronic Media): Norsyarafina Nasrom and Mohd Irsyahdi Tumian (Astro Arena)
Best Commentary (Print Media): Muhd Ferzalfie Muhamad Fauzi (Harian Metro)
Best Commentary (Electronic Media): Al Shaiful Nazib Talib and Zahril Abdullah (TV3)
Best Special Report (Open): Muhammad Rizal Hashim (Astro Arena)
Best Sports Photography: Mohd Aswadi Alias (New Straits Times)
Siebel Award: Muhammad Rizal Hashim (Astro Arena)
Best Sports Commentator: Izwan Mohd Nor (Astro Arena)
Best Athletes: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (badminton)
Best Para Athlete: Bonny Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting)
Best Young Athlete: Sawda Hasbullah (cycling)
Dynamic Sports Association Award: Malaysian Hockey Confederation
100Plus Special Award: Allianz Malaysia Bhd; Muhammad Irfan Shamsuddin (discus throw); Mohamad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin (para track cycling)
Sports Leadership Award: Tunku Mahkota Ismail
Special Recognition: V. Ashok (former Berita Harian editor); Khalid Redza (former NST photographer); Abdullah Hashim (commentator)
Special Tribute: Datuk Hishamuddin Aun (Astro Arena); Mohd Ali Majid (Berita Harian); Radzi Wahab (Harian Metro); Mohd Fuad A. Rahim (RTM); Ibrahim Yusof Abu Bakar (RTM); and Cameron Gerald Richard (CSNSportalks)