7 golds and a splendid opening
Para cyclist gets the show going with 1km time-trial win
It was a splendid start in every sense of the word. The 9th Asean Para Games opened with a beautiful ceremony that had style, poise, action and plenty of colour. Even singer Yuna returned from the US to take part. To add to the festivities for Malaysia, the host country’s cyclists swept the board, winning all the seven gold medals on offer.
KUALA LUMPUR: Adi Raimie Amizazahan almost lost his life after he fell in a playground when he was six years old.
He sustained head injuries and had to undergo brain surgery to release pressure due to a blood clot.
However, he ended up being paralysed on one side of his body.
But yesterday, the 17-year-old para cyclist became the pride of the nation after bagging the first gold for Malaysia in the Asean Para Games.
Adi grabbed the gold in the men’s (C1/C2/C3) 1km time trial in a new personal best time of 1:17.232 at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negri Sembilan.
Compatriot Mohd Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin got the silver in 1:18.735 with the bronze going to Tan Hun Boon of Singapore who clocked a distant 1:48.672.
The C category is for a cyclist who has upper or lower limb disability or severe neurological dysfunction.
Adi’s triumph sparked off a gold rush as Malaysia won all the seven golds on offer on the first day of the competition.
Adi started out as a badminton player but his father encouraged him to take up track cycling last year.
“My dad always encouraged me to get involved in sports.
“I am happy to stay active in sports. I’m glad to represent my country at the Asean Para Games, especially as it is held in Malaysia.
“Coach (Johari Nayan) wanted me to win the first gold for Malaysia as my event was the first of the day.
“I am happy I did not disappoint him. It’s sweeter as I managed to improve on my personal best time by five seconds,” said Adi, who previously clocked 1:22.565 to finish eighth at the World Track Para Cycling Championships in Los Angeles, the United States, in March this year.
“I seldom went to school because of my preparations for the Games during the past few months, so this win means a lot to me,” said the Form Five student at SMK Kampung Pandan here.