FOR more than a decade, Haydriaan Dass has done more than just champion football, he has championed lives.

The 39-year-old sports enthusiast was recently conferred the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (PJM) in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang.

The prestigious state honour was presented during the investiture ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang on July 28, in recognition of his selfless efforts to empower youth through sports.

Haydriaan, who currently serves as the vice-president of the Northeast District Youth Council, has long believed in the power of sport as a force for good.

His journey began humbly in 2003 when he co-founded the Gelugor Football Club (GFC), a grassroots team with a heartfelt mission: to give sidelined youth a second shot at the game they love, and more importantly, a shot at life.

“Football became the bridge,” Haydriaan shared in an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara.

“Many of these boys had nowhere to go, no proper channel to express themselves.

GFC gave them a family, a sense of belonging. That was all they needed to start believing in themselves again,” he added.

What began as a football club has since evolved into a movement, nurturing not only athletes but responsible citizens.

Haydriaan’s role in community development extends beyond the pitch.

He is also actively involved with the Hindu Youth Organisation (HYO) Gelugor, and plays a key part in organising the Bardhan Cup, an annual football tournament under the Malaysian Indian Football Association (MIFA) aimed at uncovering and grooming young Indian talents.

Though deeply honoured by the state recognition, Haydriaan remains grounded.

“This award is not just for me. It is for every volunteer, every player, every parent who believed in what we were trying to build.

“I will continue doing my part for Penang’s youth. Sports saved me, and I want it to save others too,” he said.

Through leadership, dedication, and a genuine heart for the community, Haydriaan Dass has become more than a coach, he has become a beacon of hope for many.

Story by Kevin Vimal Pix courtesy of Haydriaan Dass