The 2024 Paris Paralympic athletes received a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 last night, as local sports fans greeted them with resounding applause.
The Malaysian team, headed by Chef de Mission Datuk Subramaniam Raman Nair, touched down at 8.10pm on an Oman Air flight. They were joined by gold medalists Cheah Liek Hou in badminton and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin in weightlifting.
Around 200 enthusiastic sports fans gathered to celebrate the return of Datuk Abdul Latif Romly and Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, who both made the nation proud by winning silver medals in the long jump and shot put events, respectively. They also welcomed Eddy Bernard, who earned a bronze medal in the 100-metre sprint. These accomplished athletes were joined by 25 other members of Malaysia’s Paralympic team, all of whom were met with admiration and applause for their remarkable performances on the world stage.
Among those present to greet the athletes were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, secretary-general Dr. K. Nagulendran, and the director-general of the National Sports Council (MSN), Abdul Rashid Yaakub.
Malaysia concluded the games in 42nd place, proudly bringing home a total of five medals—two gold, two silver, and one bronze. The competitions were held from August 28 to September 8, marking a strong performance by the nation’s Paralympic athletes, who showcased their dedication and skill on the global stage.
Abdul Rashid expressed that the medal achievements were impressive and closely aligned with the goals set by the Malaysian Paralympic Council.
“We embraced the initial targets, and MSN fully backed them. While the goals were not completely met, this is still a remarkable achievement. The athletes gave their all to secure the gold medals,” he remarked.
The heartfelt welcome given to the Malaysian Paralympic athletes upon their return reflects the nation’s pride in their remarkable achievements. Despite finishing in 42nd place and falling slightly short of the initial targets, the athletes’ haul of two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal highlights their exceptional talent and dedication. These accomplishments not only honour the athletes’ hard work but also pave the way for future successes on the global stage.
Source: Malay Mail
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