KUALA LUMPUR - National para swimmer, Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkifli who is making his debut at the Paralympic Games vows to bring home a medal from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics scheduled in August.
The determined 25-year-old athlete would be contesting in the 50 metres (m), 100m and 200m freestyle and 100m breaststroke in the S5 category (People in this class have full use of their arms but have no or limited trunk and leg function)
He is targeting to bring home at least one medal regardless of colour from Tokyo.
“God willing, I will bring back a medal for the country, regardless of the colour. This is my target in Tokyo.
“Indeed, I am a bit nervous to perform on the world stage for the first time, but I will do my best. Please pray for me,’’ he told Bernama today.
As preparations for the Games, Muhammad Nur Syaiful would be contesting in the Para Swimming World Series scheduled to be held on June 17-20 in Berlin, Germany.
Meanwhile, he said the challenge of undergoing training in the new normal saw his preparation for Berlin disrupted with the schedule of the programme always changing following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“My preparation is already at 80 per cent, it is more towards long distance to maintain my endurance. When in Berlin, I will look at my current performance, current ranking and other necessary factors to improve my speed or techniques,’’ he said.
Muhammad Nur Syaiful confirmed a place in the Tokyo Paralympics after winning the bronze medal in the 50m freestyle (S5) at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championship in London. - Bernama, May 18, 2021
