malaysiangKUCHING, Penang para lawn bowler Mohd Firdaus Ab Rahman clinched the final gold medal of the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) today, after an easy victory in the men’s B8 (physical impairment) singles event.
Mohd Firdaus dashed the hopes of Perlis’ Mohamad Syamil Mohamad Fauzi, who had to settle for silver, with a 21-10 win at the Sarawak Lawn Bowls Arena.
The 37-year-old, who lost the use of his left arm following a road accident in 2006, described his win as particularly special. Not only did he capture his fifth gold medal since making his debut in 2008, but he also secured Penang’s ninth and final gold at this year’s Para SUKMA.
‘I was nervous at first because the Perlis athlete’s performance this year was excellent, but thankfully, fortune favoured me,’ he told Bernama after the final.
The father of two said he plans to invest in gold if he receives monetary incentives from his state for the victory.
Mohd Firdaus, who has been investing in gold since 2017, is confident that his long-term inves
tment will yield significant returns in the future.
‘The value of gold never declines. It used to be cheap, but now prices are much higher. It’s never a loss to save in gold,’ said the electronic repair service provider.
Recalling the dark chapter in his life, he admitted that a road accident in Kepala Batas in 2006 left him facing an uncertain future, as it happened while he was returning from his factory job.
However, a meeting with the Penang lawn bowls team manager in 2008 marked a turning point in his life, helping him rediscover his passion and paving the way for his success at the 2024 Para SUKMA.
He also expressed hope to continue competing and to defend his gold medal in the next edition, which will be held in Selangor.
Meanwhile, host Sarawak emerged as the overall champion, winning 82 golds, 53 silvers and 74 bronzes, reclaiming the title from Sabah, who finished second in the medal tally (62-42-32), with Johor placing third (33-35-29) out of the 15 competing contingents.
The closing ceremony
of the 2024 Para SUKMA, which officially opened last Sunday, will take place tonight at the Unity Stadium.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
