Millionaire Paralympians pledge to continue training hard

National Paralympic athlete Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli's commitment, dedication and focus will not be dampened by the incentives that he had received Saturday.

"I will not rest on my laurels but continue to focus on training. In fact, the incentives will serve as a motivation for me. The incentives I received will be used for my future.

"As I have said before, I will take my parents to perform the Haj," he said after receiving RM1.05 million from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at a glittering National Athletes Incentives Scheme (SHAKAM) presentation, here on Saturday.

Ziyad, winner of the men's F20 shot put not only won a gold medal but also set a new world record.

Another recipient today, Abdul Latif Romly, winner of the gold medal in the men's T20 long jump, said he would remain firmly on the ground despite receiving a huge sum of money under the incentive scheme.

"I will continue to train hard and be focused on winning more titles for the country," he said adding that since his success in Rio, everyone seems to know him.

"I must thank the people for their support. What is important now is to maintain my performance," said Latif who had also set a new world record.

He too received RM1.05 million for his feat.

Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi, winner of the men's T20 100m gold meanwhile, received RM1.02 million for his success.

The Malaysian Paralympics contingent won three gold and a bronze medal in the Paralympics. -

The bronze was won by Siti Noor Radiah Ismail from the women's long jump. - BERNAMA