Para Games' spectacular finale
Beat Thais to grab last Sea Games gold
MALAYSIA ended Thailand’s domination in goalball at the Asean Para Games when the national team clinched the gold medal with a 9-5 win at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MiTEC).
The national team, coached by Abdul Karim Raham, contributed the nation’s last gold to make up the 90-gold medal tally, which saw Malaysia finish second overall behind Indonesia with 122-gold medals.
Nonetheless, team captain, Husnaini Samsudin was ecstatic as the squad excelled in their mission.
“We sacrificed a lot, I did not go back to my hometown in Johor as I had to focus on training. I left my job (as a masseur) to do this.
“This gold medal could be the beginning of something better for the Para Asian Games (Aug 18Sept 2, 2018 in Indonesia).”
Husnaini, born with an impairment (visibility rate of only 20 per cent, hopes to be selected again to represent the country.
Karim said the athletes’ fourmonth training and sacrifices have paid off.
“I am grateful because we finally got to defeat our rival of 12 years.”
“This is the win we were hoping for and our hunt for the gold was successful.”
Karim, who described the win as unexpected, wants to continue the momentum and hopes to be selected to coach the team for Para Asian Games, next year.
“We’re going to focus on the Asian Games next but maybe after this I will go back to teaching (at Setapak Blindness Special Education Secondary School).
“But my career as coach depends on the National Sports Council.”
Meanwhile Laos won the bronze medal when they defeated Indonesia 17-12.