Para Sukma: Sarawak’s gold medal javelin thrower says gruelling training commute now worthwhile

KUCHING (Sept 25): Jamal Nasir Zulkiplis’ long journeys between his home in Kampung Melayu Kota Samarahan to the Youth and Sports Complex here for training four times a week before the 2024 Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) has indeed paid off.

The 43-year-old not only claimed gold in the men’s F55 javelin event today but his best throw of 21.09 metres also broke the meet record of 20.97 metres set by Melaka’s Mohd Shaari Mohd Jaafar in 2022.

Jamal clearly bested Selangor’s Muhammad Amirul Alif Abdul Raof who managed 19.33 metres to claim the silver and bronze medallist Samri Butak from Sabah whose best throw was 19.04 metres.

“I feel very happy to have won a gold medal. I didn’t expect to win gold and set a new record at the same time.

“Driving on my own to and from the sports complex for training four times a week starting from 2pm was quite a challenge, but now it all feels worthwhile,” he told reporters at the prize presentation ceremony at the Sarawak Stadium today.

Jamal, who paints houses for a living, said he previously won two gold and one bronze medal at the 2016 Para Sukma, but this was his first record.

Yesterday, he earned a bronze in the men’s F55 shot put.

He will also compete in the discus event tomorrow.

“I dedicate this gold medal to myself, to sports, especially to Sarawak, because athletics is my passion,” he said.

On how he plans to use the incentive announced by the government for Para Sukma winners, Jamal said it will go to his family as well as savings.

“I’m married with three children, all living in Samarahan. I dedicate this to my family as well,” he added.

Among those present were Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development deputy ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam.