The Paralympics are one of the few events in the world that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of dedication. All of the inspiring Paralympians participating in the quadrennial tournament have overcome tremendous challenges in life, but they have never given up on their ambition of representing their nation at the greatest level.
Suresh Selvathamby, Malaysia’s first world champion in para archery are among the 22 Malaysian athletes in action at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The para-archer will be competing in the men’s individual recurve, while the Sarawakian athlete known as Wiro Julin will take part in the men’s individual compound open category.
When will the game of archery take place?
Men’s compound open: Friday, 27th August
Men’s individual recurve: Friday, 3rd September
With a total number of 168 participating countries, the Paralympics is slated to take place from August 24th to September 5th. According to NST, due to the stringent camp-based training procedures at Bukit Jalil, Suresh has yet to meet his newborn baby boy, whom he wishes to dedicate the gold medal to. His better half, S. Vickneswary gave birth to the baby boy last month and he was not able to experience the precious moment of fatherhood by accompanying his wife during her delivery.
The Kedah-born athlete lost his leg in a car crash 15 years ago, and has worked extremely hard throughout his entire life to be one of the best athletes. But, the journey he went through ain’t a bed of roses. Continuous humiliations engulfed him, especially from his relatives was unbearable for him. But God is great and gave him the endurance to work harder, now his blood, sweat and tears have been paid off with his incredible Paralympics move.
The dazzling athlete has proven that physical limitations can be overcome with determination and perseverance.
The 27-year-old who plays professionally, defeated USA’s Eric Bennett in five sets and triumphed as the new world champion in the Recurve Men’s Open category at the 2019 World Archery Para Championships which took place from the 3rd till the 9th of June in Netherlands.
Despite being ranked 35th in the world and winning a gold medal in the tournament, Tokyo 2020 will be his first Paralympic Games.
View the full Tokyo Paralympics 2021 schedule HERE!
All the best to our Malaysian Paralympians!
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