Over 1,000 Malaysians gathered in anticipation at the Bunga Raya Complex in KLIA for the return of our Paralympic heroes today. Some came as early as 1pm and brought banners to celebrate their return. Rojak Daily had the opportunity to witness this historical occasion.

Ziyad Zolkefli's family (Image: Iylia/Rojak Daily)
Image: Iylia/Rojak Daily
The moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived, as the Malaysian Paralympic team landed safely at the complex at 3.18pm and was greeted with a water salute.

Image: Fly FM

The atmosphere in the complex was filled with excitement and passionate screams from Malaysians and family members of the athletes. Hugs were exchanged between the athletes and their family members with tears of joy flowing freely after the athletes from disembarked the aircraft.

Image: Astro Arena
Image: Astro Arena
After briefly catching up with their loved ones, the contingent made their way into the complex and were personally introduced by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and were presented with flower garlands by our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. It was indeed a surreal and overwhelming experience for those who were present as we celebrated our para-athletes' phenomenal achievements. The proud moment was later complimented when we sang our national anthem, Negaraku.

Image: Juan/Rojak Daily

Image: Iylia/Rojak Daily
Khairy Jamaluddin told reporters at a press conference today that each gold medalist will receive a RM1,000,000 incentive and a lifetime pension of RM5,000 while the bronze medalist will receive RM200,000 and an additional RM100,000 incentive along with a monthly lifetime pension of RM2,000. Naza Joint Group Executive Chairman, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin also announced that Naza will be rewarding a Kia car for all medallists and a housing unit developed by the Naza Group for each gold medalist.

Malaysia won three gold medals and one bronze medal at this year’s 2016 Rio Paralympics through the herculean effort of Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi in the 100m T36 event (Paralympic Record), Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli in the Shot Put F20 event (World Record), Abdul Latif Romly in the Men’s Long Jump T20 (World Record), and Siti Noor Radiah Ismail in the Women’s Long Jump T20 (Regional Record). This is our best Paralympic performance to date.

Image: MStar
Image: Reuters
The celebration continued with a parade of the whole contingent starting from the Bunga Raya Complex to KLCC and Pavillion, Bukit Bintang, before ending at the Malaysian Paralympic Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan.

We at Rojak Daily would like to congratulate our extraordinary heroes for their remarkable performance at this year's Paralympic Games. Their exceptional contribution to the country will forever remain in history and our hearts. Malaysia Memang Boleh! #KAMILUARBIASA

Image: ISN_Malaysia
Image: Saddam Yusoff
Image: Saddam Yusoff
Image: NST
Image: NST