Four Malaysian role models selected for Olympic Torch Relay

KUALA LUMPUR: They are the current icons of their respective sports and were not even born when the Olympic Torch Relay last passed through Malaysia in 1964.

That was when Japan became the first Asian country to host the Olympics and Malaysia had the honour of sharing in the historic occasion.

And now, 44 years later, current top men’s shuttler Lee Chong Wei and Malaysian squash sensation Nicol David have been included in the list of four Malaysians chosen to participate in the Malaysian leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay.

The other Malaysian role models selected yesterday to carry the torch when it arrives in Kuala Lumpur on April 21 are former television newscaster Ras Adiba Radzi and Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir, who is the first Asian woman to conquer the North and South Poles.

The event on April 11 will mark only the second time that the Olympic torch will pass through Malaysia, giving Malaysians the chance to witness the most prestigious sporting symbol up close.

The Beijing Olympic Torch Relay will have the longest route in its history, involving 21,880 torch-bearers who will cover a total distance of 137,000km in 130 days.

Chong Wei and Nicol were unable to attend yesterday’s function to announce the Malaysian torch-bearers due to their training commitments.

Chong Wei is in the midst of preparing for the Super Series meets in Europe – the All-England and Swiss Open – next month.

Nicol, the Asian Sportswoman of the Year, is training in Amsterdam and will be returning home to seek for a fourth Kuala Lumpur Open title next week.

Ras Adiba considered it an honour to represent the disabled community after being named as one of the four Malaysians to take part in the Malaysian leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay.

Ras Adiba, a sports enthusiast, was once one of television’s top anchorwoman but her career suffered a severe jolt when she became a paraplegic in 2002 after a series of ill-fated accidents.

The 43-year-old Ras Adiba, who is now wheelchair-bound, is the president of Perwira K-9, who help accident victims who are disabled to re-enter society.

She is also vying to become the first Malaysian to participate in the shooting competition at the Beijing Paralympics, which will be held after the Olympics.

“I am truly surprised to be named as one of the torchbearers for the Malaysian leg of the relay. It is a notch up for us (the disabled community) and will inspire me to excel in what I do despite the odds I face in life,” said Ras Adiba, who is hoping to earn a wildcard to enable her take part in the Paralympics.

The 43-year-old Sharifah Mazlina was also delighted to be a part of the historic event.

“I have to thank Samsung for selecting me to be part of this exciting event. I hope to be a source of inspiration not only to Asian women but to all women in general,” said Sharifah Mazlina.

Star