After more than 10 days the Olympics came to a close, it is now the time for the country’s para athletes to battle for Malaysia’s honour at 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games from August 24th to September 5th.
According to BERNAMA, the first group comprising two officials and five cyclists departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Japan Thursday morning (August 19th).
Photo via ProjekMM
Meanwhile, the second group of 15 individuals headed by chef de mission Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin with the swimming and table tennis squads, National Sport Council (MSN) Paralympic Department director Mohd Sofian Hamzah left for Japan at 10:50 pm the same day.
A flag-off ceremony was conducted by MSN deputy director-general (Strategic) Suhardi Alias at the Departure Hall.
“We want to do our very best once we arrive in Japan. So far, there are no symptoms, hopefully all is well. We will be undergoing a saliva test upon arrival and every day when we are there.
“I have reminded the athletes that everybody is equal in the field, without competition in Tokyo, we are all the same, so go show your best as this is the only top platform, and they’re very focused,” said Megat.
Photo via Utusan Borneo
The largest group of 28 athletes and officials comprising the archery, athletics, boccia, powerlifting, and wheelchair tennis squads as well as ISN officers are scheduled to leave on Saturday (August 21st) while the badminton squad of three will leave on Tuesday (August 24th).
Malaysia will be represented by 22 para athletes in nine types of sports at the Paralympics after the record-breaking outing of three gold medals and a bronze through athletics at Rio 2016, which was the best performance since the championship was held in 1972.
For this edition, the national contingent is aiming to bring back three gold medals.
We are rooting for you, Team Malaysia! All the best!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
