Hemala Devi's first Deepavali away from home

Being away from home on Deepavali for the first time is not easy for national paralympian Hemala Devi Eni Kutty.

"I can imagine my family laughing and having a good time while savoring the Deepavali dishes," she said.

Hemala Devi, 24, said the thought saddened her, but felt happier knowing that she had done her part for them.

"Before coming to Incheon, I bought them new clothing for them to wear on Deepavali so that they, too, will think of me," she told Bernama here today.

Hemala Devi won two bronze medals, in the women's discus throw and shot putt F11/12 at the 2014 Asian Para Games being held her until Oct 24.

Meanwhile, national paralympics head coach R.Jeganathan, despite not being able to be with his family on Deepavali on several occasions, has yet to get used to spending the festival away from them.

"I still feel sad thinking of them back home, knowing that my wife and two children are feeling the same as I am not with them, but they understand," he added.

The Malaysian contingent to the Asian Para Games comprises 199 athletes and officials participating in 15 events.

As of yesterday, Malaysian had won seven gold medals, 15 silver and 11 bronze.