Paralympians arrive to heroes' welcome

Bernama
September 22, 2016 22:17 MYT

Cheers rang out from some 1,000 sports fans who filled the Pavilion shopping mall soon after the paralympians arrived in a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. -Bernamapix

Cheers rang out from some 1,000 sports fans who filled the Pavilion shopping mall soon after the paralympians arrived in a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus.

The Malaysian contingent consisting of 21 athletes led by chef de mission Dr Ang Kean Koo were thrilled with the heroes' welcome given by the public.

The public made it a lively affair with some wearing the Harimau Malaysia jersey and chanting 'Malaysia Boleh' and waving the Jalur Gemilang.

The three gold medalists, Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi, Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli and Abdul Latif Romly were on the bus.

Bronze medalist Siti Noor Radiah Ismail was also inside.

The paralympians spent about half an hour chatting and posing for photograph with the public.

Kamarul Azman Yahaya said he was happy to bring 82 under 12 football players to meet with the paralympians.

"The achievements of the paralympic heroes can be used as a source of inspiration for the young footballers," said the coach of Akademi Tunas in Wangsa Maju.

Meanwhile, retired bank officer Nurul Anuar Nordin,59, said he followed the exploits of the paralympic athletes on television.

"My sons are into football. I want them to emulate these special athletes and bring honour to the country," said the father of six children.

Shah Jihan,41, and Zuhairah, 39, a couple from Bukit Jalil said they came with their four children to thank the paralympians for their achievements.

Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi won the first gold medal in the T36 100m.

Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli won the F20 shot put gold medal and set a new world record with a throw of 16.84 metres.

Abdul Latif Romly leapt to a new world record of 7.60 metres in the T20 long jump for the third gold medal.

Siti Noor Radiah Ismail won the bronze medal in the T20 long jump when she leapt to 20.05 metres to renew the Asian Para Games record. -Bernama

#Abdul Latif Romly #Malaysian contingent #Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli #Pavilion shopping mall #Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi