Gunning for a repeat
Former national lifter Amirul urges athletes to emulate 2010 Games feat
PETALING JAYA: Former national weightlifter Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim has called on the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games-bound athletes to emulate the spirit of 2010 New Delhi contingent.
The 36-year-old was part of the national contingent that returned from New Delhi with a best-ever haul of 12 golds, 10 silvers and 14 bronzes, eclipsing the 1998 KL Games tally of 10-14-12.
Malaysia also finished a creditable seventh overall in the medal standings.
Amirul had sparked the gold medal rush by reclaiming his title in men’s 56kg category on the first day of competitions.
Teammate Aricco Jumith added a second gold in the men’s 62kg, before 10 more victories came through cycling (one), squash (one), shooting (two), diving (one), badminton (four) and gymnastics (one).
“It was an unforgettable Games and I was so proud to be part of the 2010 contingent,” recalled Amirul.
“Weightlifters were the earliest Malaysians in action and we gave the contingent a perfect lift-off with two early golds and a few podium finishes and that led to a domino effect.
“One after another started to win medals. There was a lot of enthusiasm and great camaraderie in the contingent,” said the 2002 Manchester Games triple gold medallist.
Amirul hoped the Gold Coast contingent would rise up to the occasion – more so because of the all-round support from all, especially the National Sports Institute (NSI) Podium Programme.
“I’m expecting the athletes to do a lot better this time, there’s no excuse,” said Amirul.
“They are better prepared than us. They are backed with the best training facilities in the world, comprehensive dietary guidance and detailed attention on other aspects too.
“Having trained for years for this Games, it’s time to deliver and do the country proud.”
Amirul will be travelling to the Gold Coast Games as the weightlifting team manager.
He has high hopes on Mohd Azroy Hazalwafie Izhar Ahmad to re-claim Malaysia’s lost glory in the 56kg category.
Zulhelmi Mohd Pisol managed only a silver in Glasgow, ending Malaysia’ proud 12-year domination in the event.
Mohd Faizal Baharom was the other Malaysian 56kg champion in 2006 Melbourne Games. He did it in Amirul absence, who was suspended for doping.