Malaysia men's goalball team avenged their 2015 final defeat to Thailand at the 9th ASEAN Para Games on Sunday.
The national team, who lost to the defending champions 16-6 two years ago, took advantage of their home court support to win 13-7 at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
It was their second consecutive win after beating Laos 16-6 a day earlier.
Malaysia player Haiqal Azman did not expect the victory, which was their first-ever win over Thailand.
"We did not expect the win, but we still wanted to try our best," he said.
"It was unexpected and I am really satisfied with the win. I have played goalball since 2009 and waited for eight years to beat Thailand."
As for national head coach Abdul Karim Rahman, the win paid off their 10-day intensive training camp held in China last month to prepare for the competition.
"I am proud of my players for playing well today," he said.
"They fought to the end and it is the country's hope to become champions this year."
Meanwhile, their female counterparts, competing for the very first time, bounced back from yesterday's 9-3 defeat to Laos to draw 7-7 with Myanmar.
They could've celebrated a 7-6 victory, but a last-minute mistake allowed the away side to equalise.
Goalball is a team sport designed for the visually impaired, with players having their eyes covered and competing with a ball that has bells embedded in it.
(Picture: KL2017 MASOC)
Seng Foo Lee
Mon Sep 18 2017
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