Thanabalan a hero both at home and on the field, says Chong

SEREMBAN: SEA Games footballer N. Thanabalan is not only a national hero but also a hero to his family, being a filial son and a doting brother, says MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

“I decided to visit his family after learning that Thanabalan is from Seremban.

“My resolve to come here was made even stronger after I was told he supported his parents, including his wheelchair-dependent father, and his siblings,” he said.

Chong said he also wanted to personally express his gratitude for the striker’s heroics during the SEA Games, which brought Malaysians even closer together.

“He scored the solitary goal through a header in the semi-final win over Indonesia.

“I am proud that, like me, Thanabalan is from Negri Sembilan,” he said.

Chong said he was also touched when told that Thanabalan could not continue with his studies after the SPM exams as he had to take care of his father S. Nadarajah, 56.

“I learnt that his dad was paralysed after an accident in 2013 and Thanabalan had to stay home to care for him.

“In fact, after he started playing football, he provided for his family with his earnings,” Chong said.

Apart from this, Thanabalan is also supporting his siblings Kheeteeswaran, 19, and Keerthikaa, 13.

Thanabalan is now under contract with the Negri Sembilan football team but has been loaned to Felcra FC.

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