Muhammad Aqil shows his determination to finish the race as his teacher, Intan Zulaikha Jusoh, runs alongside to encourage him
PETALING JAYA: The disabled boy who won the hearts of Malaysians for his determination to cross the finish line while running on crutches has gained the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Describing the boy as having a "champion's mentality", Yeoh said the ministry would help Muhammad Aqil Naufal Zahiran, 11, to participate in more sports events in the future.
She said the ministry through the National Sports Institute (NSI) has made preparations for Muhammad Aqil and his family to meet with a prosthetics expert this week.
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"I have seen the efforts by Muhammad Aqil in finishing his run. This is the mentality of a champion.
"There is no reason not to compete. He has proven that and is doing the best he can with his circumstances.
"This is a necessary mentality, as instilled in the Road to Gold initiative.
"I appreciate the efforts and praise Muhammad Aqil. We will do our best to help him be the best he can be," said Yeoh in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 30).
Recently, a video clip which showed Muhammad Aqil, who is an amputee, competing in a 100m race using crutches went viral, with social media users praising his tenacity and perseverance despite his physical limitations.
The TikTok video, uploaded by user faridkamaruddin18, was of an event that took place during the Jerantut District School Sports Council (MSSD) special education athletics tournament 2023.
A teacher, who ran alongside him to motivate him to cross the finish line, also earned praise from netizens.
Muhammad Aqil, who is an Inclusive Education Programme (PPI) pupil at the SK Felda Lepar Utara 1, had his left leg amputated in 2015 due to a bacterial infection.
@faridkamaruddin18 Aku tahu kau orang paling kuat dik. Terima kaseh cikgu bagi sokongan sehingga ke penamat. #luarbiasa #ppki #fyp Jangan Pernah Menyerah - Arnas19
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