PUVANESWARAN, NICOL CROWNED 2010 OLYMPIANS OF THE YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Guangzhou Asian Games karate gold
medallist R. Puvaneswaren and squash queen Nicol Ann David were tonight
crowned men's and women's Coca-Cola Olympian of the Year by the Olympic Council
of Malaysia (OCM).

Nicol and Puvaneswaran received RM10,000 cash each.

Puvaneswaran received the award from Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery
Cheek while Nicol was represented by squash team manager Peter
Chee since Nicol was abroad.

Nicol, winner of two gold medals at the Guangzhou Asian Games last year and
winner of the National Sportswoman Award from 2006 to 2009, won the Olympian
award for the second time, after having won it in 1998.

"Thank you OCM, Sports National Council and everybody for these award. This
award will push me further," said Nicol via recorded video message.

For Puvaneswaran who announced his retirement from international
competitions after winning the men's 55kg Kumite gold in Guangzhou, it was a
fitting farewell for his 16 years of contribution to the country.

"I feel honoured and proud to stand here and receive this award. I'm
honoured to be listed among other nominees such as Koo Kean Keat and Azizulhasni
Awang," said Puvaneswaran who quickly paid tribute to his coaches T.
Ponniyah and P. Arivalagan.

Among others nominated for award was Pandelela Rinong (diving), Chai Fong
Ying (wushu), Koo Kien Keat (badminton), Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (cycling) and
Alex Liew (bowling).

-- BERNAMA