PETALING JAYA – The Youth and Sports Ministry has stepped in to assist Muhammad Aqil Naufal Zahiran, the boy who ran a 100m race using crutches during the Jerantut district Special Education Athletics Championships recently.
His tenacious feat went viral, with netizens praising his efforts and that of his teacher, who ran alongside him to give his support and encouragement.
Though he came in last using his conventional crutches, his efforts won the hearts of netizens.
Aqil’s left leg was amputated in 2015 due to a bacterial infection.
His teacher, Zulaikha Jusoh, 35, ran alongside, encouraging him all the way to the end.
Aqil, the eldest of two siblings, said he joined the race after his teacher rallied him to do so.
Recognising his determination and grit, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh praised his fighting spirit and has since vowed to help him participate in more sporting activities.
The ministry, via the National Sports Institute, has arranged for Aqil and his family to meet with a prosthetics specialist this week.
“We will do our best to help Aqil to be the best he can. This is the kind of mentality we need, as is encouraged in the Road to Gold initiative," she said in a statement.
Aqil, a student at SK Felda Lepar Utara 1 under the Inclusive Education Programme, said he joined the race after his teacher gave him the encouragement to do so. – The Vibes, August 30, 2023
