PARA SUKMA 2024: BADRUL HISAM NAILS SHOT PUT GOLD THANKS TO ZIYAD'S MENTORING

By Amiril Muttaqien Meketar

KUCHING, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Badrul Hisam Musa, who is nearsighted, used to rely solely on YouTube videos to perfect his shot put throwing technique but it was the expert advice and tips from national Paralympian Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli that steered him to create a sensation at the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) here today.

Badrul Hisam, of Johor, not only bagged his first Para SUKMA 2024 gold medal in the men's shot put F12 (visual impairment) category, but he also broke his Games record three times on the first day of the para-athletics programme at the Sarawak Stadium here.

The 31-year-old, whose previous Games record of 9.70 metres (m) was set at the 2022 edition, bettered it with efforts of 11.36m in his first attempt, followed by 11.38m (third attempt) and 11.85m (fifth attempt).

His final effort was way ahead of silver medallist and Johor teammate Mohamad Firdaus Ngatiman’s throw of 8.98m and bronze medallist Hafiz Puini (5.22m) of Sarawak.

Badrul Hisam said the words of encouragement from Muhammad Ziyad during training sessions proved to be an inspiration for him, especially after he (Muhammad Ziyad) captured the silver medal in the men's shot put F20 (intellectual impairment) category at the recent Paris Paralympics.

"He advised me to work hard and to sacrifice my time and energy if I wanted to be more successful. Even during the training sessions, he would often teach me better throwing techniques,” he told Bernama.

Badrul Hisam also admitted that his performance level has been on the rise following the guidance he received from Muhammad Ziyad’s coach, Mohd Faizol Haron, since last year.

"Previously, I usually watched YouTube videos only but, since last year, I've been training with coach Mohd Faizol. It's thanks to him that I have improved,” he said.

He hopes to maintain the momentum as he aims to deliver the gold medal at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, having returned home from the previous edition in Cambodia with a silver.

Badrul Hisam is also determined to represent the country at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Sarawak made a clean sweep of all three medals in the men's discus F41 (physical impairment) category with Richard Bada emerging triumphant with a throw of 25.53m, followed by Teckman Mary (20.57m) and Abdullah Syawal Majarol (17.55m).

Richard, who was relieved to have overcome his nervousness to deliver gold for his state, was quick to dedicate his success to his family members for their unwavering support since he began competing in the biennial Games in the 2016 edition.

-- BERNAMA