Former national shooter Sabiamad dies at 65
DATUK Sabiamad Abdul Ahad, the nation’s flag bearer at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, died on Saturday. He was 65.
The former national shooter suffered a heart attack and died at the Serdang Hospital.
Sabiamad, who had undergone surgery due to heart issues, was laid to rest at Tanah Perkuburan Kampung Sungai Ramal Dalam, Kajang after prayers at Surau Mujahiddin, Taman Desa Surada yesterday.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah expressed their condolences to his family in a statement yesterday.
“The King and Queen both hold in high regard and appreciate the services and contributions he had made to the nation. They consider his demise as a huge loss, especially to the sport of shooting,” said the statement.
Sabiamad, who was born in Muar, was a well-respected figure in the sport and had represented the country in the 1980s and 1990s.
The pistol specialist won the men's individual 50m gold medal at the 1983 Singapore Sea Games.
A year later, he was selected as the flag bearer for the LA Olympic Games.
After retiring from competitive shooting, Sabiamad contributed in a coaching and management role with the national setup.
He was the team manager of the 2013 Myanmar Sea Games and the 2016 Rio Olympics teams. He was also a National Athletes Welfare Foundation board member.