Malaysia is in the midst of hosting the ASEAN Para Games, and so far, we’re in 2nd place with 47 gold medals, putting us right behind Indonesia. However, it looks like we could be getting loads more gold medals at the rate our amazing athletes are going!
Earlier today, one of our athletes proved that by winning gold in the men’s 1500m T46 (amputation and others, including athletes with dwarfism) event.
20-year-0ld Muhamad Ashraf Muhd Haisham, who had his left arm amputated after a terrible motorcycle accident in 2003, managed to outrun and shock his competitors when he broke a friggin’ 12-year-old ASEAN Para Games record!
The Perak native was clocked at 4:24.73 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today, beating the previous record of 4:27.90 set by Isidro Bildosola of the Philippines in 2005.
“It feels really good that I managed to exact sweet revenge on the Vietnam runner, who beat me to the gold in Singapore two years ago,” the athlete told The Star, adding that it felt amazing to set a new record.
“It has been an excellent Games for me as I retained my gold in the 800m on Tuesday. And I am all fired up to win my third gold in the 400m tomorrow (Thursday).”
“This is the first time I am featuring in the 400m in the Games and nothing is going to stop me from achieving my third gold.”
We wish Ashraf nothing but the best and we’re rooting for him to bag the gold during tomorrow’s race! Malaysia boleh!
Also read: 6 Inspiring Malaysian Athletes Who Won Gold at The ASEAN Para Games So Far