Ilham inspires Malaysia to relay gold
Ilham Suhaimi powered Malaysia to a dramatic gold in the boys’ 4x400m relay in the Asean School Games (ASG) yesterday.
Roared on by a home crowd, Ilham overtook Indonesia’s last runner for the lead, with only 20 metres to go, at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil.
Not only did they win the gold, the Malaysian quartet, which also featured Wan Muhd Fazri Wan Zahari, Zikry Putra Rosli and Aftar Rosli, broke the meet record.
Their three minutes and 13.05 seconds erased the mark of 3:13.36s set by Thailand in 2016.
Indonesia settled for silver in 3:13.29s while Philippines completed the podium in 13:18.45s.
It was Ilham’s fourth gold at the games, having bagged the 4x100m, 400m and 200m titles earlier.
“I told my teammates that we had a chance to win and I am happy that we manage to contribute another gold to the country,” said Ilham.
Hammer thrower Grace Wong and Nurul Alyahaziqah Kamarazaman (3,000m walk) also broke games’ records en route to gold.
Malaysia’s other medals came through Mohd Ali Razi (silver) in the javelin, while Mahira Hanis Ishak (triple jump), Muhammad Naufal Shahrul Afzan (pole vault), Halimaton Saadiah Mohammed Raja (100m hurdles) took bronze.
Malaysia continue to lead the overall medal tally with 30 gold, 26 silver and 25 bronze.
Indonesia are second on 24-2825 while Thailand (15-18-26) are third.