KUALA LUMPUR – For decades, the athletics and powerlifting divisions have been delivering medals for Malaysia at the Paralympic Games.
However, with the Paris Paralympics kicking off on August 28, the national para swimming squad could make waves by emerging as an unexpected medal contender, potentially breaking a 52-year drought since 1972 and bringing fresh glory to the Malaysian contingent.
For this edition, Malaysia are relying on two swimmers: Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli, making his second appearance in the S5 category for physical disabilities, and Muhammad Imaan Aiman Redzuan, a debutant in the S14 category for intellectual disabilities.
Imaan, who was previously embroiled in controversy over his selection for Paris, is determined to put that behind him by silencing his critics with his best performance.
Additionally, the Paralympic Council Malaysia is pinning its hopes on Imaan, who will compete in the 100m breaststroke, as a potential medal contributor based on his current performance.
According to the council’s analysis, Imaan has a 96.3% chance of winning a medal based on his personal best of 1min 0.76sec, while his season best gives him a 94.8% chance.
However, the 18-year-old athlete is taking a cautious approach, aiming to at least reach the final despite his considerable potential.
“People have said that I don’t deserve it and other unpleasant things. These comments have affected my mental health, and deep down, I almost considered withdrawing because I felt unworthy.
“But now I want to fight because I believe I deserve it, and I am determined to do my best.
“Therefore, I ask Malaysians to pray for me and my friend Syaiful to bring home a medal this time. For myself, I aim to reach the final, as this is my first time, and I see myself as the underdog,” said Imaan after receiving a visit from Malaysia’s chef de mission Datuk S. Subramaniam at the National Sports Council in Kg Pandan today.
Imaan’s teammate Nur Syaiful is currently in China for a training camp, as he is set to compete in four events in Paris. He will compete in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle S5, as well as the 100m backstroke SB5.
Three years ago in Tokyo, Nur Syaiful, who also competed in these four events, fell short of a medal. He finished fifth in the 50m freestyle final and seventh in the 100m freestyle S5.
For the record, the Malaysian contingent aim to win four gold medals across athletics, powerlifting, boccia and badminton. – August 20, 2024