KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Malaysians witnessed a rare version of the beautiful game when little people from Malaysia and Indonesia met for a football friendly match for the first time.
Twenty-two players from the Little People National Organization of Malaysia (PKOKM) and Unik Berkarya Indonesia (UBI) put up a spectacular game, which had the crowd on their feet cheering them on.
Amirul Zamel Daud, 29, who came to see the match with his wife and child, said he turned up at the National Sports Council Mini Stadium in Kampung Baru here to give his support to the Malaysian team.
He said he was surprised how well the footballers from both sides played.
"I didn't think they could be so fast. They shot at goal and ran for every ball ... this match was more exciting than watching our regular team play," he said.
Maizatul Jamilah Hassan, 57, did not know the match was going on and had actually come to the stadium to take a walk with her husband and two grandchildren.
"Many people, including myself, underestimated the capabilities of these individuals. I think many would enjoy seeing more little people contributing to sports in the country.
Meanwhile PKOKM president Jasmi Shafie said he was in discussion with UBI head, Usnan Batu Bara to further establish the event at Asean level in the near future with different sports.
"We can expand more sports by establishing an Asean-level games for little people, with the hope that more will be recognised as professional athletes," he said.
Although both teams seemed evenly matched in the 60-minute game, the Malaysian team managed to obtain a 4-1 victory. – Bernama
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