Agong congratulates Damok over victory in Spain

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today congratulated young Malaysian racer Syarifuddin Azman for emerging victorious at the FIM CEV Moto3 Race in Barcelona, Spain yesterday.

In a statement uploaded on Istana Negara's Facebook page today, His Majesty expressed his happiness and pride over the success, which was also described as not only a historical feat for Malaysian motosport but one which garnered accolades for the country on the international stage.

Al-Sultan Abdullah described Syarifuddin's achievement as very meaningful for Malaysia and an inspiration for the rider better known as Damok in his hunt for more success in the future.

"Syarifuddin's outstanding achievement once again proves that Malaysia is capable of producing athletes and individuals of quality, calibre and of international standards.

"It also proves that with commitment, fighting spirit and hard work, Malaysians are able to compete and succeed at the international level," the statement read.

Al-Sultan Abdullah hoped Syarifuddin's success and fighting spirit will be a source of inspiration to fellow Malaysians, in particular athletes, to work hard and strive for success in their respective fields domestically or on the international stage.

"TheYang di-Pertuan Agong wished Syarifuddin all the best and prayed that he would be blessed with continued success and to keep on putting the country on the world stage with more victories," the statement said.

The Selangor-born rider emerged victorious after crossing the chequered flag in 29 minutes and 32.553 seconds in the 74.5-kilometre race, beating Spaniards David Munoz Rodriguez and Jose Antonio Rueda Ruiz to second and third places respectively.

The 25 points from the win helped Syarifuddin climb up to sixth place in the world championship standings with 30 points after three races.

-- BERNAMA