Malaysian high jumper books ticket to Rio Games
SINGAPORE - High jumper Nauraj Singh Randhawa of Malaysia has secured a berth at this year’s Olympics, after clearing the Games qualifying mark of 2.29 metres at the Singapore Open yesterday.
SINGAPORE - High jumper Nauraj Singh Randhawa of Malaysia has secured a berth at this year’s Olympics, after clearing the Games qualifying mark of 2.29 metres at the Singapore Open yesterday.
In the process, the 24-year-old also clinched Gold in the event and set a new Malaysian record, beating Lee Hup Wei’s previous mark of 2.27m.
“I’m overwhelmed and happy, it’s a dream come true for any athlete to be able to qualify based on merit,” said Nauraj, who is the first track and field athlete from his country since 2008 to directly qualify for the Olympics.
“It gives you the feeling that you have every right to be there (at the Games).
“I hope this will be a highlight for the Malaysia athletics scene, which has been struggling for the past couple of years.
“Hopefully now people will look up to the sport again, and we’ll be able to attract more sponsors for us to organise more decent competitions.”