PETALING JAYA, Nov 3 — National Paralympics coach R. Jaganathan hailed his charges’ sensational performance of two gold and three bronze medals at the International Paralympic Committee World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar.

The national paralympic contingent returned with their best-ever medal haul in the tournament, eclipsing the sole gold medal won in Lyon, France, two years ago.

The medals came through Abdul Latif Romly (gold-men’s long jump T20), Mohammad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi (gold-Men’s 100m T36), Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli (bronze-men’s shot put F20), Mohamad Saifuddin Ishak (bronze-Men’s Long Jump F12) and Siti Noor Iasah Mohamad Ariffin (bronze-women’s 400m T20).

The medal tally saw Malaysia finish 29th out of the 96 competing nations.

“After the Incheon Paralympics Games, I promised the National Sports Council (NSC) we will return with at least five medals and I’m proud of the team’s performance. I studied our performance in Lyon before heading to Doha, but the standard this time was really high.

“It took us about four years to get to this level, but the ultimate goal will be at the Rio Paralympics next year. I hope more people will recognise this achievement and appreciate the talent of the national paralympic team,” said Jaganathan, whose team will compete at the Asean Para Games in Singapore in December as warm-up for Rio.

Abdul Latif, who clinched gold in the long jump with a distance of 7.35m was elated with his golden debut.

“I went there with the intention to nail gold and I can’t express how delighted I am to achieve my target. This is motivation for me to end the year on a good note and strive to bring home another gold from Rio,” said the Perlis-born, who also won gold at last year’s Incheon Para Games.

For London 2012 Paralympics bronze medallist Ziyad, the bronze won in Doha was a result of unbridled camaraderie with his teammates.

“We are like a family and supported each other in all the events. I couldn’t retain my gold won two years ago, but I am happy with my performance and will work harder for Rio.

NSC director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail was also proud of the team’s historic feat.

“This is a good indication of the sport ahead of Rio. These athletes are bound to get more recognition and financial assistance when we launch the podium programme most probably in January,” said Shapawi, who added the gold medallist will receive an incentive of RM80,000 and the bronze medallist RM20,000.