Ridzuan Puzi Has Been Crowned Asia’s Best Male Para Athlete Of 2018

2018 has been an excellent year for our national athletes and para athletes. Some went on to break world records, some became the first ever Malaysian to compete in an international prestigious tournament, and some helped ended a 39-year-old gold draught. You can check out all of their outstanding achievements here.

But wait, there’s more! To round up the nation’s great winning streak and accomplishments, one para athlete has been given the highest accolade in his career to date.

Ridzuan Puzi, our beloved sprinter who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one, proved that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

The 31-year-old has been dubbed as the 2018 Best Asian Male Para Athlete.

“Saya berharap ia akan menjadi batu loncatan buat atlet lain dengan melihatnya sebagai contoh kerana dalam (sukan) para, kami berada di tahap yang berlainan dan berharap untuk mencapai lebih kejayaan di peringkat antarabangsa,” ~ Jurulatih olahraga para kebangsaan, R Jaganathan pic.twitter.com/rXiJrMA0nA
— TEAM MAS ??? (@myTeamMAS) January 4, 2019

The award ceremony will take place on 5 February 2019 in Dubai.

Ridzuan had another great year in 2018 and performed exceptionally at the 201 8 Asian Para Games in three events – men's T36 100m, 400m, and long jump.

“I never expected to win the award as there were a few other athletes who have also done well in the Asian Para Games,” Ridzuan told The Star.

“It’s an honour as I’m the first Malaysian to win this award," he added.

He also thanked the National Sports Council (NSC), the National Paralympic Committee and his personal coach R. Jaganathan for guiding and supporting him throughout the years.

“I wouldn’t have done it without the guidance of coach Jaganathan. It will spur me to do much better in the World Para Athletics Championships in Doha in November.”

Congratulations Ridzuan, we’re so proud of you and your #LuarBiasa achievements. May 2019 be another good, if not better, year for you!