THE nation is abuzz following the overwhelming success of our Paralympians at the Rio Paralympics. They have won three gold medals to date, a first for Malaysia.
This historic achievement comes right after the success of our Olympians in securing four silver medals and one bronze medal in badminton, diving and cycling last month.
The success is all the sweeter, coming in the months to commemorate the country’s independence and the formation of Malaysia. A very timely and, perhaps, overdue gift for a 59-year-old nation.
Indeed, it has been an all-time best for our athletes. Their hard work, determination and perseverance have paid off.
Credit also goes to the Youth and Sports Ministry and sports associations, as well as coaches and technical staff, who have worked tirelessly to improve the standard of sports in the country.
The rendering of our national anthem, not once, but three times, in the Paralympics arena is testimony to the fact that we have arrived on the international stage in sports. Well done, Malaysia!
The power of sports to unite a nation must never be underestimated. It is always a joy to see Malaysians from all walks of life flocking to open arenas, entertainment outlets, coffee shops and eateries to watch and support our national heroes in action.
You reap what you sow. It is time for our medallists, who have brought glory to the nation, to reap the benefits from the government and private sector, and they have been deservingly rewarded with incentives in the forms of cash, lifelong pensions, free travel, fully furnished homes and cars.
It is hoped that these incentives will motivate them to reach greater heights and spur other athletes to excel.
While engaging in conversation with friends and colleagues, I couldn’t help but notice that there was a tendency to compare the performance of Olympians with that of Paralympians. Comments, such as “what the Olympians failed to accomplish, was accomplished by the Paralympians”, “the Paralympians fared better than the able-bodied athletes” and “Paralympic events attract only a small field of athletes”, are uncalled for and grossly unfair.
Our athletes have given their best in their respective categories, and we should be proud of their achievements. Comparisons — if any and warranted — must be made within the same category.
Of course, there have been outstanding performances on either side, but these should not be used to make general assumptions.
Whatever our athletes, Olympians or Paralympians, have achieved, they did so based on merit in highly competitive events. For that, they deserve respect, not ridicule.
Let’s celebrate their success on the international stage and be part of the dream to make Malaysia a sporting giant.
This can be achieved only if we remain united and committed to a common cause by offering quality coaches and training, highlighting strengths and working on weaknesses, and providing our athletes with all the encouragement and support they need.
In short, the triumph of our athletes on the international stage and how they have made the nation proud of their achievements, have reignited the belief that Malaysians are on a par with, if not better than, the athletes of other nations.
The momentum must be kept up to ensure that we continue to make strides in sports and other fronts.
Happy birthday, Malaysia!
JAGINDER SINGH, Batu Gajah, Perak.