MALAYSIAN athletes proved up to the task against the roar of partisan home crowds in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, at the 13th Asean Para Games (APG).
Malaysia exceeded expectations by finishing with a total of 201 medals − 64 gold, 64 silver and 73 bronze − placing third overall behind Thailand and Indonesia.
Highlights included Siti Zaidah Mohktar’s gold-medal feat in the women’s shot put – a victory that also marked Malaysia’s 100th gold of the competition, reported Bernama.
Veteran Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli reinforced the nation’s dominance in field events by securing gold in the men’s shot put.
Sarawakian paddler Gloria Gracia Wong Sze, who was born with only one arm, became the first Malaysian to win women’s gold medal in para table-tennis.
She achieved the feat in style by turning the tables on Indonesian favourite Sella Dwi Radayana.
Powerlifter Bibiana Ahmad, from Matang, Sarawak, marked a major career milestone, lifting 95kg to secure Malaysia’s first-ever gold in women’s powerlifting.
Para long jumper Wong Kar Gee delivered Malaysia’s 55th gold medal with a record-breaking 6.83m leap, while swimmer Abd Halim Mohammad powered through the pool to claim five gold medals, rewriting two APG records.
Beyond medals, the Asean Para Games showed our athletes had the fighting spirit to deliver their best in the heat of competition, doing the nation proud with their achievements.
More photos
Malaysia’s contingent at the opening ceremony. — Bernama
Muhammad Nazmi Nasri clinches gold in the men’s long jump.
Malaysia’s cerebral palsy footballer Ahmad Farihan Mohammed Kassim (left) skillfully controls the ball after dispossessing an Indonesian opponent during a tense group-stage match.
Malaysian para swimmer Carmen Lim powers through the pool in the women’s 100m freestyle (S8) event.
Malaysian discus thrower Colorine Sijang (middle) soared to gold with a championship-record throw of 12.82m in the women’s F40/F41 event, while teammate Mazzdiana Nuratasya Abd Rahim (right) secured bronze with a 12.23m effort.
Gloria is the first Malaysian woman gold medallist in para table-tennis.
