“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela
Knowing Malaysians thrive on the international stage is undoubtedly a moment to cherish.
Recently, our own Malaysian agile athletes raised our country’s flag high when they shone excellently at the 83rd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships 2023. On April 26, the Malaysian stars took over the podium in the men’s 5,000m run event and also other events.
Clinching the first spot, S Poo Vasanthan clocked 15:05.54s, Ikbolasen Kamal Hussain came in second place with 15:07.22s, and Daren James Nair bagged the third spot with 15:17.93s.
Champion Vasanthan said they weren’t expecting a podium clean sweep, with Malaysians conquering the main three spots.
“I don’t know when the last time Malaysian athletes took the top three places in an overseas competition was.” It’s a big boost for us ahead of the Phnom Penh Sea Games,” the 25-year-old athlete continues.
Meanwhile, for the women’s 800m category, Savinder Kaur successfully bagged gold, clocking in 2:11.53s, and Hizillawanty Jamain secured silver at 2:16.33s. National athlete S. Geetha finished in fourth position with a time of 4:58.64.
Malaysian women athletes also sweep clean in the women’s 400m with Chelsea Cassiopea Evali Bopulas (55.19s) taking gold. Compatriot Nurul Aliah Maisarah (56.60) and Zaimah Atifah Zainuddin (56.91) finished second and third.
On the other hand, K. Prabudass topped the men’s 1,500-meter race in 3:59.85 seconds.
In the women’s long jump, Malaysia also triumphed in gold, defeating two other Singaporean competitors.
Nurul Ashikin Abas secured her second gold in the women’s triple jump with 13.05 m, and she also won the long jump gold. Yap Sean Yee and Norliyana Kamaruddin were both tied with 1.68m, but the former won silver on countback. Singapore’s Michelle Sng cleared 1.72m to take gold. Andre Anura Anwar managed 14.93m to bag silver in the men’s triple jump
This notable victory gives the Malaysian athletes a significant impetus before the SEA Games in 2023.
Check out our athletes ruling and thriving on the international stage:
Congratulations everyone! ✨👏🏼
