KUALA LUMPUR – Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin paid a visit to former national football legend Mohd Khalid Mohd Ali, who is battling stage four lung cancer, at his residence in Keramat today.
FAM, in a statement, said the visit coincides with the ongoing Merdeka Tournament, during which the footballing body has taken the initiative to pay tribute to former football legends.
“Coinciding with the Merdeka Tournament, we took the opportunity to meet Khalid and remember his services as a national hero.
“The football team in 1980 was so inspiring, and their fighting spirit to qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympics deserves to be emulated.
“On behalf of the FAM delegation, I offer our hopes and prayers for his well-being and that of his family,” said Hamidin in a statement.
Khalid, aged 66, had an illustrious career, representing the national team from 1977 to 1985 as a right-back and a defensive midfielder.
He was a key player for the Malaysian team that qualified for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, despite the country’s ultimate decision to boycott the Games.
Malaysia won the play-off against South Korea with a 2–1 score at Merdeka Stadium.
The Unity Carnival-Merdeka Tournament, which is dedicated to celebrating unity and honouring sporting legends, will also extend its reach to other former athletes.
P. Darmalinggam, aged 62, who has battled health setbacks following a stroke and participated in the 1982 Delhi Asian Games and the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, is among those set to receive a visit.
Additionally, S. Pushpanathan, aged 68, a member of the legendary 1980 Olympic squad, is facing health challenges related to intestinal issues.
Officials from the National Unity Ministry, FAM, and the National Athletes’ Welfare Foundation will extend their support to these revered athletes in the coming days. – October 15, 2023