Dek Wan Officially Retires From Para Athletics - NSC Director-General

By Farah Najihah Zuraimi

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- 2016 Paralympic gold medallist Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi, better known as Dek Wan, has officially retired from competitive para athletics effective yesterday, drawing the curtain on a distinguished career.

Director-General of the National Sports Council (NSC) Jefri Ngadirin said the decision was made following comprehensive discussions on the 38-year-old athlete’s future direction with the Athletes Career and Education Secretariat (MACE).

He said the NSC had also assisted in planning Dek Wan’s post-career pathway, including recommending that he venture into coaching.

“We have completed the post-career process and engaged with Dek Wan to discuss his future direction.

“We have also encouraged him to attend relevant courses if he is interested in becoming a coach. The decision to pursue coaching or any other field is entirely up to him,” he told Bernama.

Jefri said the NSC appreciated Dek Wan’s contributions in bringing glory to the nation on the international stage and wished him success in whatever field he chooses to pursue next.

Dek Wan made history by winning gold in the men’s 100 metres T36 (cerebral palsy) event at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

He also recorded numerous achievements at the international level, including at the ASEAN Para Games and Asian-level competitions, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s top para athletes.

Meanwhile, Jefri said the development of new athletes remains the NSC’s main focus to ensure continuity of national performance in competitions at home and abroad.

“We are now focusing on the next generation of athletes. New talents were introduced and given exposure at the recent ASEAN Para Games in Korat.

“God willing, we will have the next champion for the upcoming Paralympics,” he said.

-- BERNAMA