Mohamad Ridzuan's father was speechless and choked with emotion when his son who was born with disabilities was the pride of the nation in the Rio Paralympics and stood tall in the eyes of the world.
Mohd Puzi Mat Isa, 59, was at a loss for words and overcome by emotion after finding out that his son Mohamad Ridzuan had won a gold medal in the men's 100m T36 event at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (Saturday in Rio).
Similarly, Mohamad Ridzuan was lost for words at the prize presentation ceremony and overcome by emotion since he started crying uncontrollably, according to National Paralympics head coach for athletics, R. Jeganathan.
"The entire family is proud and grateful for the achievement of Ridzuan. Blessed with the spirit of perseverance, he trained tireless to give himself a better future as he was born with cerebral palsy," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
Mohd Puzi also thanked all parties who assisted his second son and provided the encouragement he needed.
"Especially to Am (Affizam Amdan), a voluntary coach, who first spotted my son's potential and guided him since 2006 and he is still giving advice until today," he said.
"The federal and state governments were also extremely concerned with his development as well as training and financial needs, a big thank you to all of you," he said.
Mohd Puzi said he hoped Redzuan would continue to shine in the future and keep his focus and interest in sports.
"I am pleased he (Redzuan) is now independent. Before this, I was always worried about his fate when my wife and I are not around. But the blessings of Allah was the best for him though I will continue to support and pray for his success," he said.
At the Rio Paralympics, Mohamad Ridzuan bolted to the finish line in 12.07 seconds in the men's 100m T36 event ahead of Yang Yifei of China (12.20s) and Rodrigo Parreira da Silva of Brazil (12.54s).
Malaysia's best Paralympic showing was a silver and a bronze medal in 1992.
Mohamad Ridzuan gave Malaysia its first ever Paralympic gold medal while the second gold medal came from Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli with a new world record in the men's shot put F20 (intellectual disability). -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Sep 11 2016
Mohamad Ridzuan was lost for words at the prize presentation ceremony and overcome by emotion since he started crying uncontrollably. - FILEpic
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.