If you're headed to Okayama, Japan, you may very well see a poster of Malaysian professional footballer Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak welcoming you with a smile.

The 20-year-old footballer, who currently plays for the Japanese Professional League 2 team Fagiano Okayama, has been chosen to be the Health Tourism Ambassador for the city of Okayama.

I am proud to announce that I have been appointed as the ambassador to promote tourism for Okayama. I hope you’ll be able to come visit our lovely prefecture soon and enjoy the beautiful scenery, traditional culture and local delicacies. @okayama_ht

A post shared by Hadi Fayyadh (@hadifayyadhh) on


The appointment was announced by the Okayama mayor via a statement released recently.

Hadi must have made quite an impression since joining the Japanese team two years ago as this is the first time that a Malaysian footballer was named ambassador.

A post shared by Hadi Fayyadh (@hadifayyadhh) on

Welcoming Malaysians to Okayama

Hadi's appointment is a collaborative effort between the Okayama City, Maniwa City, Kibi-Chuo City and Fagiano Okayama football clubs aimed at introducing interesting places around Okayama that are friendly to Muslim visitors from Malaysia.

Beautiful sights.
“I am very happy with being appointed and feel it is a great honor to the Malaysian sporting world."

"Entering my second year here, I feel that Okayama city is becoming more and more popular with Muslim visitors including from Malaysia especially after more Muslim-friendly places and restaurants opened. It makes my life here more comfortable," said the talented footballer.

He also hoped that more Malaysian visitors would visit the city after the COVID-19 pandemic dies down as it has delicious food, beautiful views and unique culture.

It's lovely to see Hadi enjoying himself and making Malaysia proud!