Cheah Liek Hou, a 14-time para-badminton world champion, began Malaysia’s quest for a golden Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebration by winning his opening match at the Paris Paralympics, today.
The country celebrates Independence Day on Saturday, and Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Malaysia won three gold medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and another three in Tokyo, five years later, when the Games were delayed by a year due to Covid-19.
For Paris, the Paralympic Council Malaysia is aiming to secure four gold medals in France, for a “perfect 10”.
Cheah defeated Poland’s Bartlomiej Mroz 21-10, 21-6, in a Group A tie in the SU5 (impairment of the upper limbs) category.
Another Malaysian shuttler, Muhammad Fareez Anuar, defeated Taiwan’s Fang Jeng Yu 21-14, 21-18 in a Group B encounter.
Paralympic Council Malaysia president, Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said the national Paralympic contingent would deliver Merdeka and Malaysia Day cheer.
“We have stated that our target is four gold medals, and I am confident of achieving that,” said Megat Shahriman.
“The athletes are fired up to deliver the medals as a gift to the nation to celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day.
“The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) also wished us well. That has given the athletes a big boost.”
In a Facebook posting today, Anwar said that the time had come for the country to show its support for the Malaysian Paralympic contingent.
“Good luck to all the national athletes. The prayers of all Malaysians will accompany you every step of the way in Paris!” he wrote on Facebook.
Besides Cheah, the other athletes Malaysia is counting on to win gold are Datuk Abdul Latif Romly and Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli in athletics.
Abdul Latif won gold in the men’s T20 (intellectual impairment) long jump in Rio and Tokyo, while Muhammad Ziyad won gold in the F20 (intellectual impairment) shot put event in Rio. He is out for redemption after being disqualified in Tokyo when he arrived late to the waiting room.
There is also a possibility that T37 (physical impairment) long jumper Muhammad Nazmi Nasri could finish on top of the podium, as he is the world champion. Nazmi is making his Paralympics debut.
Powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin set a Paralympic record with a lift of 228kg in the 72kg category in Tokyo and is determined to defend his gold medal.
The Paris Paralympics began today with 12 national athletes in action in archery, badminton, boccia, cycling, and swimming. Malaysia sent a squad of 30 athletes to compete in eight sports.
The Paralympics end on Sept 8.
List of Malaysian para-athletes
Archery: Daneshen Govinda, Nur Jannaton Abdul Jalil, Suresh Selvatamby
Athletics: Eddy Bernard, Muhammad Ammar Aiman Nor Azmi, Datuk Abdul Latif Romly, Muhammad Nazmi Nasri, Wong Kar Gee, Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli
Badminton: Cheah Liek Hou, Mhd Amin Burhanuddin, Muhammad Fareez Anuar, Muhammad Ikhwan Ramli, Noor Azwan Noorlan
Boccia: Abdul Razzaq Abdul Rahman, Lee Chee Hong, Noor Askuzaimey Mat Salim
Cycling: Mohamad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin, Muhammad Adi Raimie Amizazahan, Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais, Nurul Suhada Zainal (pilot), Nur Suraiya Muhamad Zamri, Farina Shawati Adnan (pilot)
Powerlifting: Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, Jong Yee Khie, Nicodemus Manggoi Moses
Swimming: Muhammad Imaan Aiman Muhammad Redzuan, Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli
Wheelchair Tennis: Mohamad Yusshazwan Yusoff, Abu Samah Borhan
