No Gold Glimmer In Swimming Pool On First Day Of APG 2025

From Farah Najihah Zuraimi

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s para swimming gold medal hopes failed to materialise on the first day of the ASEAN Para Games (APG) Thailand 2025 as the national contingent had to settle for no gold medals, instead collecting five silver and seven bronze medals across several events contested.

The five silver medals were contributed by Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli in the men’s 100 metres breaststroke SB4, Mohd Adib Iqbal Abdullah (men’s 200m breaststroke SB14), Wahyu Eqwal Nazrey (men’s 50m backstroke S5), Ong Jia Xuan (women’s 100m breaststroke SB9) and Lim Carmen in the women’s 100m freestyle S8.

Meanwhile, seven bronze medals were secured to salvage the nation’s pride, with Mohd Adib Iqbal once again reaching the podium in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB14, followed by Shahafiq Abdullah (men’s 100m breaststroke SB7) and Saiful Rizal Abdullah in the men’s 200m breaststroke SB14.

Bronze medals were also contributed by Malaysia A in the mixed 4x50m freestyle relay 20 points (S1–S10), while Lim Carmen added to her personal tally in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB7–SB8.

The remaining two bronze medals were won by Aleeya Fariesya Faizul Rizal in the women’s 200m breaststroke SB14 and Brenda Anellia Larry in the women’s 50m backstroke S4–S5.

Nevertheless, Malaysians can at least smile following success in several other sports after the national contingent managed to collect 10 gold medals.

The gold medals were contributed by Mohamad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin in the men’s C1–C2 individual time trial para cycling event, Krisana Sriujun in the men’s individual epee para fencing event, and Mohd Rizal Hassan who topped the men’s TPB3 singles para tenpin bowling event.

Gold success was further bolstered by Perameswary Kashinathan in the women’s 10-metre air rifle shooting event (SH1), Colorine Sijang in the women’s discus throw (F40/41), and Muhammad Nazmi Nasri who won the men’s long jump (T37–38).

In addition, Ivan Jovic Suan delivered gold in the men’s 200 metres T44, Ahmad Zuaiman Shamsudin emerged champion in the men’s javelin throw (F12–F13), Muhamad Afiq Mohamad Ali Hanafiah clinched the men’s 100 metres sprint T12 title, while Heronlee Wong completed the country’s gold haul in the men’s discus throw F37.

The national contingent is targeting a total of 181 medals, including 55 golds, at the Games.

Malaysia’s ASEAN Para Games 2025 Chef de Mission (CDM) Mohd Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah had earlier openly expressed confidence that swimming and athletics would remain the main gold contributors, while badminton and cycling are expected to provide additional boosts to raise the nation’s morale and reputation.

— BERNAMA