Muhammad Ziyad sacrificed studies for love of sports - Mother

To achieve his ambition to be a top world athlete, Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli even quit college.

The national paralympian decided to discontinue his studies at a private college after getting an offer from the National Sports Council to become a full time athlete.

Muhammad Ziyad contributed Malaysia's second gold medal with a new world record in the men's shot put F20 (intellectual disability) event with a throw of 16.84 metres at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday.

His mother Siti Arfah Abdul Rashid said her eldest son had been interested in sports since his school days and he was winning at school or even district championships.

Even though Siti Arfah did not agree with Muhamad Ziyad's decision initially, she prayed for his success and supported the move made by Muhamad Ziyad, now aged 26.

"I told him sports did not hold much prospects for the future, Ziyad needs a certificate to obtain regular employment but my son was insistent on becoming an athlete.

"Even though Ziyad is unlike others, he has his own plans. I am proud of him. Ziyad is diligent and does not like to trouble people," she said when met by Bernama in Gombak here.

Siti Arfah said the success of winning a gold medal also meant Muhammad Ziyad would proceed with his marriage with Zafirah Nasir in November.

Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the state government would be rewarding Muhammad Ziyad in recognition of the Selangor-born athlete's paralympic feat to bring honours to the state and country.

"I noted how happy the people of Selangor are when our athlete from Gombak won a gold medal. Insya-Allah after Aidiladha, we will discuss recognition for the gold medalist," said Azmin.