Five most searched athletes on Google in Malaysia in 2024

Three badminton stars are among Malaysia’s most searched athletes in 2024.

The year 2024 marked a significant chapter in Malaysia’s sports scene, with the country making its presence felt at the Paris Olympics. Badminton once again stood out as a dominant force, with stars like Lee Zii Jia and Pearly Tan making headlines and setting new records along the way.

Malaysia won its first Olympic medal in 1992. However, despite numerous achievements, Malaysia has yet to secure an Olympic gold, earning the distinction of being the nation with the most Olympic medals without a gold.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Malaysia didn’t capture its long-awaited gold, but it still made a strong impression with notable accomplishments in badminton. The country returned home with two bronze medals—Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik defended their Tokyo bronze in men’s doubles, and Lee Zii Jia added another in men’s singles.

Along with badminton, Malaysian athletes from various sports like cycling and football continued to captivate the public, with their achievements extending far beyond the Games. Here’s a look at the five sports personalities who dominated Google search trends in Malaysia in 2024.

Most searched athletes on google in Malaysia in 2024

Azizulhasni Awang (2)

The “Pocket Rocketman” of Malaysian cycling, Azizulhasni Awang, who won an Olympic silver medal in 2020, was back in the spotlight during the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, his performance wasn’t entirely as he might have hoped. Awang was dramatically disqualified from the Men’s Keirin qualifier ahead of the derny motorbike, a moment that sparked intense national discussion.

Despite this setback, his legacy as the first and only Malaysian cyclist to win an Olympic medal remains intact, with his Tokyo 2020 silver medal still fresh in people’s minds. Awang also won an Olympic bronze medal in 2016 and won a World Championship gold medal in 2017. In 2024, he became the second most-searched personality in Malaysia.

Also Read: Top five greatest badminton players from Malaysia

Kunlavut Vitidsarn (4)

Kunlavut Vitidsarn has been widely searched in Malaysia following his impressive performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Thai player’s silver medal and his World Championships title have made him a focal point for Malaysian badminton fans. Vitidsarn made a significant impact at the Paris Games by defeating world number #1 Shi Yuqi in the quarterfinals.

In the semis, he triumphed over Malaysian star Lee Zii Jia in straight games, advancing to the final. Lee went on to win the bronze after defeating India’s Lakshya Sen, while Vitidsarn ultimately fell short to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, who secured his second Olympic gold.

Faisal Halim (5)

Muhammad Faisal bin Abdul Halim, a rising star in Malaysian football, continued to shine in 2024. His stellar performances were key to Terengganu’s second-place finish in the 2022-2023 league, securing their qualification for the 2023 AFC Cup. After signing with Selangor, Faisal scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 28 appearances in the Super League.

On the international stage, he impressed at the 2022 AFF Championship, scoring four goals and earning a spot in the All-Star XI. Despite facing a severe burn injury in 2024, Faisal made a remarkable recovery in just 97 days, cementing his resilience. He ranks as the third most searched athlete in Malaysia and fifth overall.

Also Read: Malaysia’s most-capped international football players

Pearly Tan (8)

Pearly Tan, badminton’s rising star, became a national sensation in 2024, especially following her historic performance at the Paris Olympics. Partnering with Thinaah Muralitharan, Tan/Thinaah made history by becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to reach the semifinals of an Olympic Games.

Additionally, her world record for the fastest women’s badminton smash, clocking in at 438 kilometers per hour, kept her firmly in the spotlight, making her one of the most searched athletes of the year.

Also Read: Top five badminton tournaments with highest prize money ft. Malaysia Open

Viktor Axelsen (10)

Although not a Malaysian, Viktor Axelsen has been extensively searched by Malaysian sports fans due to his rivalry with local badminton stars and his dominance in the sport. His second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics has been a major talking point among Malaysian enthusiasts.

The intense matches between Axelsen and Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, among other athletes, continue to captivate fans, making Axelsen a constant fixture in the public’s interest.

The diversity of this list highlights Malaysia’s passion for sports, spanning from the cycling track and football field to the badminton court.

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