Wei Lun first Malaysian to win Paralympics boccia medal

PETALING JAYA: Chew Wei Lun will leave Tokyo Paralympics as a history-maker after coming within a whisker of bagging a first gold medal in boccia.

The 26-year-old Wei Lun has every reason to celebrate as he etched his name in the Malaysian sporting history as the first athlete to medal in the sport which resembles lawn bowls – in his very first attempt.

Wei Lun also helped boccia become only the fifth sport after weightlifting, athletics, powerlifting and archery to contribute a medal for the national contingent at the Paralympic Games.

Wei Lun, who sports a striking golden hair style, certainly did the country proud based on his outstanding performance alone throughout the competition.

The world No. 11 turned in a giant-killing display including beating world No. 2 Witsanu Huatpradit of Thailand to stay unbeaten in six matches heading into yesterday’s BC1 individual final against world No. 1 David Smith of Britain.

Wei Lun finally found his match in Smith, but not without a fight, losing 4-2 in a thrilling decider at the Ariake Arena.

Despite trailing by 2-0, Smith proved to be the better player of the day as he fought back in the next three ends to record a 4-2 win to retain the gold medal won in Rio 2016.

It was the first time they met each other with Smith telling the British media on the eve of the final that he thinks Wei Lun is a “tidy player”.

“I haven’t played the Malaysian guy before and he looks a really tidy player so I’m looking forward to that. It’ll be a good battle,” said Smith earlier.

Wei Lun’s feat at the Paralympics marked his best ever result since he first picked up the sport at 19.

He had also won silver at the Hong Kong Open in 2019 and 2015 Asean Para Games in Singapore.

“My intention coming to the Paralympics was just to promote boccia. I really didn’t expect to go all the way to final and win this silver,” said Wei Lun.

“As for this medal, I want to dedicate it to my team and the sport of boccia in Malaysia.

“I also hope that by winning a medal here, more Malaysians will get to know about this sport. Previously, I don’t think many people have any clue about it.”

National contingent chef de mission Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said: “This has to be the best ever achievement from the Malaysian Boccia Association. Well done Wei Lun and the association.

“Hopefully what Wei Lun has achieved would inspire more good boccia players coming through the ranks in Malaysia.”