KUALA LUMPUR: The welfare of disabled athletes can only get better following the recent announcement that they are now eligible for the same rewards as their able-bodied counterparts.
R. Jeganathan, national head coach for paralympics athletes, said the incentive augurs well for the development of the sport.
The National Sports Council’s (NSC) nationwide grassroots programme involving young disabled athletes to identify new talent has managed to galvanize the sport.
“It’s a great boost because now they have sports as a viable career for them which was not emphasized enough. And now with NSC’s programme, we’re going to the grassroots level to try and unearth young new talents and make sure we keep the ball rolling,” said Jeganathan.
At the recent Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in London, Mohammad Azlan Mat Lazin clinched bronze in the 100m T36 category with a time of 13.00.
England’s Graeme Ballard (12.33) and Ben Rushgrove (12.75) took gold and silver respectively while another Malaysian, Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamed Puzi who also made the final, finished fifth 13.48.
Jeganathan said Azlan is one for the future and they’re looking to groom him to become a world beater just like world champion and Paralympic bronze medallist shot putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli.
“Azlan was in awe running in the same final against Ballard and Rushgrove. He was so nervous, but I told him, he doesn’t need to prove anything and just run his race,” said Jeganathan.
“I think he has the potential to really excel. He’s just 23 whereas Ballard (2012 Paralympic silver medallist and former world record holder) is 34. Just give him a few years to mature. He’s one for the future. ”
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