Malaysian Wong Kar Gee. - AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Long jumper Wong Kar Gee had every reason to smile after delivering Malaysia’s 55th gold medal at the Asean Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Kar Gee produced a golden leap of 6.83m in the men’s T12 (visual impairment) event on Sunday (Jan 25), setting a new Games record to top the podium.
The victory was extra special as it helped Malaysia match their targeted gold tally for the meet.
He finished ahead of Ahmad Zuaiman Shamsuddin (6.35m) and Mohd Nazri Hazmi Mohan (6.31m).
“This is a very special moment. I’m really happy to give Malaysia this 55th gold. It’s a significant number and it feels great to have achieved our target.
“It’s been a long journey with lots of training. This is my first competition of the year, and I’m pleased with the result,” said Kar Gee.
Malaysia also achieved their overall medal target of 181 after wheelchair tennis player Mohd Yusshazwan Yusoff clinched gold by defeating Thailand’s Wongcharoen Kittiphong 6-2, 7-6(5) at His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium.
Yusshazwan’s triumph marked Malaysia’s 61st gold.
The national contingent still have a chance to boost their medal haul further, with several events continuing on the final day of competition.
