It’s time to shine

Malaysian para athletes will take centrestage in Jakarta Games

PETALING JAYA: It’s the turn of the para athletes to rock Jakarta in the Asian Para Games starting today.

It was only just over a month ago when their able bodied counterparts participated at the Asian Games and now is the chance for the nation’s para athletes to strut their stuff over the next seven days.

A contingent of 221 athletes and coaches are already in Jakarta to compete in 15 of the 18 sports contested.

At the last Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea, four years ago, Malaysia finished seventh in the overall standings with 15-20-27 and the current contingent have what it takes to at least repeat, if not improve on the haul.

The Jalur Gemilang should be raised in six sporting venues in athletics, cycling, lawn bowls, swimming, powerlifting and bowling.

Athletics was responsible for all four Malaysian medals – three golds and a bronze – at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the country will be hoping for more in Indonesia.

The golden heroes from Rio – sprinter Ridzuan Puzi (pic), shot putter Ziyad Zolkefli and long jumper Abdul Latif Romly together with the bronze medallist Siti Noor Radiah Ismail – will be providing the thrust to push the track and field squad to deliver the bulk of the gold medals.

Ridzuan, who made history when he became the first para athlete from Malaysia to win gold in the 100m T36 (learning disability) in Rio, is hoping to extend his winning streak in Jakarta. The 31-year-old claimed silver behind teammate Azlan Mat Lazim in Incheon.

It was the last time the pair raced together at a major event as Azlan died in a motorcycle accident three months later.

Ridzuan is the fastest T36 sprinter in the world so far this year, having clocked 12.02 seconds in May – more than half a second faster than his big rival Yang Yifei on China.

The Chinese was the man who beat Ridzuan to the world title last year.

Ridzuan’s medal hopes don’t stop with the 100m as he is also competing in the 400m T36 and is the defending champion in the long jump T36.

Head coach R. Jeganathan is optimistic the athletics squad can deliver at least eight golds or more.

“The only fear is injuries as it will hinder them from giving their best performance.

“The most important thing is for the experienced athletes like Ridzuan, Abdul Latif and Ziyad to win their respective events first and not worry about breaking records.

“It’s not just the experienced stars but we are also hoping for others to rise to the occasion.

“Visually impaired long jumper Jonathan Kar Gee Wong has done a personal best of 7.22m this year – a mark that would have won him gold at the world championships last year and Siti who is the top ranked Asian in the women’s long jump T20 with 5.04m this year,” he said.

Cycling is also expected to provide cheers for Malaysia.

Expect the para cyclists like Mohd Najib Turano and Shukor Farhan Suliman to shine in the 4km individual pursuit in their respective categories at the velodrome.

The bowlers are also good for one or two gold while the contingent will also be hoping para lifters like Gold Coast Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jong Yee Khie and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin can create surprises.