Phenomenal in Phnom Penh: Para shuttler Mhd Amin Burhanuddin rejoicing after his upset win over Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani in the SL4-physical disability event final. — Bernama
PHNOM PENH: National para singles shuttler Mhd Amin Burhanuddin pulled off a remarkable upset when he defeated world No. 7 Hikmat Ramdani of Indonesia in the final of the SL4-physical disability event at the Asean Para Games.
Ranked 20th in the world, Amin had to deploy all his resources to beat Hikmat 21-18, 9-21, 21-14 in a 44-minute clash at the Badminton Hall at Morodok Techo National Stadium to deliver the gold for Malaysia.
“I’m very grateful to God for giving me the strength to enter the final and win gold for the first time in the Para Asean Games,” said Amin.
“I’ve just dabbled in the world of badminton in recent times. In fact, I was only absorbed into the programme last year during the preparations for the Solo Games,” said Amin.
The 31-year-old, however, struggled in the first two games as the strong wind conditions made it difficult for him to retrieve the opponent’s shots.
Realising that his 22-year-old opponent’s forte is his attacking power, Amin changed his strategy which proved crucial to help him win.
“Hikmat is an aggressive player. I had to conserve my energy by letting the second game go, but once I went in for the deciding game, I went all out to demolish him,” said Amin, who trains under coach Samidiono Slamet.
“After this, I hope the National Sports Council (NSC) will send me to participate in more tournaments especially when I am the only representitive in this category (SL4),” he said.
The Labuan-born Amin only won a bronze medal in the last edition in Solo, Indonesia.
Mohd Ikhwan Ramli also delivered another two gold medals for Malaysia in badminton in the WH1 men’s singles (wheelchair) and WH1-WH2 men’s doubles with Noor Azwan Noorlan (WH1-WH2 wheelchair).
With badminton’s three gold contribution yesterday, Malaysia closed their challenge in Cambodia by taking home 50 gold, 38 silver and 35 bronze medals. — Bernama
