KUALA LUMPUR: He has won it five times before but badminton player Madzlan Saibon is yearning for a sixth gold, this time on home soil at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games (Para KL2017).
Madzlan has vowed not squander the opportunity to do so when he faces Vietnam's Truong Ngoc Binh in the final of the men's singles final WH2 (wheelchair) at the Axiata Arena tomorrow.
The 41-year-old secured his spot in the final after downing Thailand's Junthong Dumnern 21-12, 21-8 in the last-four today.
Ngoc Binh defeated Aphichat Sumpradit (Thailand) 21-16, 21-10 in his semi-final.
Madzlan is confident of victory but stressed that he does not take Ngoc Binh lightly.
"I have been competing in the Asean Para Games since 2003 and only lost in the final twice in 2005 and 2009," said Madzlan.
"It feels different this time obviously winning at home would be special.
"If I win, I would like to dedicate my win to my family."
He added that he is hoping to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics as badminton has now been included in the event.
"Of course I want to compete in Tokyo, I will work hard to prepare myself. In fact, Para KL2017 is also part of my preparations.
"Who wouldn't want to compete at the Paralympics, it is the highest level of competition for all (para) athletes."
Madzlan finished runner-up at the 2009 and 2011 world championships.
Translated from Berita Harian