Anak muda Malaysia cipta sejarah Piala Dunia

Malaysia's young athletes have created history at the inaugural Paralympic Cycling World Cup. The squad, comprising nine teenage and one 20-year-old players, secured bronze medals after defeating Belgium 3-1 in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on August 24. This achievement marked the first time Malaysia had ever placed on the podium at a Paralympic World Cup.

The team's remarkable success was made possible by the participation of 16 athletes with intellectual disabilities, a group that includes the country's youngest Paralympic athletes. The 16-year-olds Annur Qisya Haziqah and Nur Aireen Ufairah, and captain Mohamad Safirul, aged 20, played pivotal roles in the team's victory. Coach R Shanker expressed pride in the team's achievement, stating that it proved the players could compete with the world's best athletes when given the right opportunities, support, and facilities.

He hopes this success will pave the way for more opportunities for intellectually disabled athletes to compete and excel on the international stage. The team's third-place finish not only showcased their skills but also highlighted the growing culture of disability sports in Malaysia and the potential that exists among the country's youth with intellectual disabilities.

The squad's performance in the World Cup, complete with their national anthem before the match, united the team of ten young athletes who have been given the opportunity to represent their country on the international stage.