Poised for the challenge
Para athletes all psyched up to take on the competition
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian para athletes are all fired up and ready to take on the challenges of the 9th Asean Para Games.
A spirited group gathered at the ballroom of the Seri Pacific Hotel yesterday as they eagerly waited for the official arrival of the torch carried in by National Paralympic Council president SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.
Following close behind him were paralympian sporting heroes and gold medallists Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, Mohd Ridzuan Puzi and Abdul Latif Romly.
The torch was received by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife, National Paralympic Council patron Tun Jeanne Abdullah.
Chef de mission Datuk Subramaniam Raman Nair, in a brief speech, called on Malaysians to show support for the local athletes representing the country.
“We are confident they have put in all effort to prepare for this, and that their coaches and team managers have also done everything in their power to make sure we reach our aim of winning golds.
“Malaysians supporting and encouraging our athletes will make them even more driven towards their goals,” he said.
SM Nasarudin, in his speech, said he was proud of the commitment shown by everyone involved in preparing the Malaysian contingent for victory.
“To the athletes, this is your moment, so stay focused and do your best, 30 million Malaysians are with you and we believe in you.
“You will decide the colour of your medals, and I know for some of you it even goes beyond medals, it is your lifelong dream,” he said.
Malaysia will host the games which will start this Sunday until Sept 23.