Football visionary Hamidin is Sportswriters' top leadership pick
Over the past three decades, the 60-year-old has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's football landscape at both state and national levels.
Hamidin began his football carrer in 1995 as executive secretary of the FA of Selangor (FAS), before serving as its secretary-general from 1998-2013.
During his tenure, Selangor lifted 18 trophies, including five Malaysia Cup titles, cementing their dominance in local football.
His success in Selangor led to national duties.
He became FAM secretary-general in 2013 and was elected president in 2018.
Since then, Hamidin has introduced structural reforms aimed at improving governance and player development.
A standout achievement under his leadership was Malaysia's qualification for the 2023 Asian Cup on merit — their first in 43 years — marking a significant milestone in Harimau Malaya's revival.
Central to that success was FAM's push for naturalisation and heritage-based recruitment, moves that strengthened the squad and improved competitiveness.
Beyond football, Hamidin also served as deputy president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
"Hamidin is not just an expert in football management. He embodies a rare kind of leadership that inspires," said SAM deputy president Izahar Atan.
"His commitment, clear vision and courage to make big decisions are why he was chosen as this year's Sports Leadership Icon."
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is expected to attend the SAM-100PLUS Awards ceremony in Petaling Jaya on Monday.
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