KUALA LUMPUR: National cyclists Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais and Mohd Najib Turano are set to receive RM50,000 each under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) for their fine performances at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games (Para KL2017).
The duo won four gold medals each through the cycling events – the most won by individual Malaysian athletes at Para KL2017 so far.
Najib, who clinched his fourth gold today in the men's road race C4 (lower limb impairments), is hoping to take his mother, Salbiah Suar, 62, to perform the umrah later this year.
"There was a lot of pressure to deliver, so I am quite happy to be able to complete my target of four golds today," said the 30-year-old.
"I hope to do it (umrah). It was my intention even before the games started," he said.
Azlia, who was piloted by Nor Aidillina Adila J. Sam throughout the games, is also hoping to take her parents for the umrah.
"I believe it was a good performance from us, considering that we have only been paired for the past three months," said Alia, who has been visually-impaired since infancy.
The Penang-born athlete clinched her fourth gold through the road race today, which saw riders covering 61.5km.
Under the scheme, athletes receive RM20,000 for their first gold medal in addition to RM10,000 for subsequent gold medals at Para KL2017.
Malaysia is one of only a handful of countries which pays out an equal reward to both able-bodied and disabled athletes.
Translated from Harian Metro