Before 1997, this award category known as the Best Men's and Women's Team of the Year.
Hamzah Abu Samah was the inaugural winner of the sport leadership award in 1984.
Tunku Abdul Rahman was the first recipient of the prestigious award in 1978.
Sidek Abdullah Kamar became the first recipient of the Special Award in 1986.
The winner would be selected by sports fans in the country via social website voting.