Kota Kinabalu: Muhd Qarliff Kuyt Abdullah and Chrisarellysa Richard were crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year 2025 at the Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Sabah (SSMS) Excellence Appreciation Ceremony, held at the school multi-purpose hall n Sepanggar on Thursday.
Qarliff, a 400m runner from Sarawak, earned the top honour after an impressive season highlighted by a gold medal at the Temasya Borneo Games in Kuching, a bronze at the Asean School Games in Brunei, and a silver at the MSSM in Perlis.
Meanwhile, Keningau-born Chrisarellysa was featured in the Safa squad that won the 2025 National Women’s Football League.
On the international stage, the Sook native represented Malaysia at the Asean Under-19 Championship in Vietnam and secured bronze medals at both the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifiers and the Borneo Cup.
Education Ministry Deputy Director Datin Zuraini Abu Hassan, who officiated the ceremony, congratulated the winners and paid tribute to those who contributed to their success.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the students recognised today. Your success is the result of tireless effort, strong discipline, and unparalleled dedication.
“However, the athletes are not the only ones who deserve recognition. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the teachers, coaches, and administrative staff who guided and supported them throughout their journey.
“Without their relentless efforts, the success we celebrate today would not have been possible. Their sacrifices and dedication to moulding successful athletes are deeply appreciated.”She also applauded the school’s history of sporting success over the years.
“I am thrilled that SSMS has nurtured so many elite athletes who once walked these very halls.
“They have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best. We only need to look at the alumni who have brought glory to Malaysia to see that SSMS is truly fulfilling its role as a national centre of sporting excellence.
“The slogan ‘SSMS: School for Future Olympians’ is a living reality, not just empty words. We pray that the athlete who eventually secures Malaysia’s historic first Olympic gold medal will be a proud alumnus of this institution,” she stated.