Young charges come first for injured coach

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being wheelchair bound after an accident in July, para athletes boccia squad coach Mohd Isa Mohd Nor continues to train his young charges for the 9th Asean Para Games while putting on hold follow-up treatment to his left leg.

In his usual jovial self, Mohd Isa went back to work to ensure the athletes were all set for the Games, which will start on Sunday.

“Boccia is a sport for people with cerebral palsy or other related neurological conditions. It was a leisure activity before it became a competitive sport for para athletes.

“Although I was injured, I decided to return because they need my guidance and expertise,” he said.

The 11-member team appeared in high spirits as they gathered for the arrival of the torch event yesterday.

At the Asean Para Games in Myanmar in 2013, boccia athletes Lee Chee Hong and Lee Ah Kit won silver and bronze respectively.

Mohd Isa is confident the duo will be even more successful in the current Games, and they may even win Malaysia’s first gold for boccia.

“It is not an easy target but my team is ready and we will give our all at the Games,” he said.