PUTRAJAYA, Jan 9 — Elite paralympic athletes representing the country at the Asean Para Games in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar from Jan 14 to 20, have been urged to prove that Malaysia is a powerhouse in paralympic sports, especially in the Asean region.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who handed the Jalur Gemilang to the Malaysian contingent which heads to Myanmar, urged the athletes to give their all to ensure Malaysia remained a powerhouse in paralympic sports.

“Since they will shoulder the expectations of the country’s 30 million people, they need to be physically and mentally strong and prepared. Malaysia will be represented by a strong team of athletes who are in good form,” he said.

Also present were former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah (Malaysian Paralympics Council patron) and National Sports Council director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong.

During the presentation, Khairy handed the Jalur Gemilang to Asean Para  Games Chef-de-Mission Datuk Zakaria Musa.

The Malaysian Paralympics Council (MPC) are confident that the 151-member Malaysian paralympic contingent to the Asean Para Games in Naypyitaw, Myanmar from Jan 14 to 20, can achieve the 50-gold medal target.

Malaysia will be taking part in athletics, boccia, football (5-a-side, 7-a-side), goalball, judo, powerlifting, archery, badminton, cycling, rowing, volleyball, swimming, table tennis, shooting, tennis, basketball and fencing.

“The performance of the athletes at the Asean Para Games will be used as a platform to identify athletes for the Asian Para Games and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” he said. — Bernama