R. Murugan has seen it all – glory on the tracks at the international level to condemnation by a state athletics association.
Yet, the one thing that continues to fuel his passion for athletics is training young talents of all ages through his Kuala Lumpur-based athletics club.
That includes a special group of 12 young para athletes. He refused to single out their disabilities, stressing he treated them like his other athletes – with compassion, respect and discipline.
From the 12, eight of them competed under Kuala Lumpur’s banner in the Malaysia Schools Sports Council (MSSM) athletics competition in Perlis last month.
All returned with podium finishes in various short and middle-distance events. Nurul Ainin Sofea Mohammad Faudziman turned out to be Murugan’s star athlete as she clocked three new MSSM records in the girls’ 800m, 1,500m and 4x400m events.
The eight who returned with podium finishes from the national schools meet were:
1.Nadim Hadif Nazmi (BP19)
200m – 1st: 22.76s (record)
4x100m – 2nd place: 44.44s
4x400m – 2nd place: 3:32.55s
2. Muhammad Iddin Mubin Rozmi (BP19)
4x100m – 2nd place: 44.44s
4x400m – 2nd place: 3:32.55s
3. Easson Weide Koh (BP19)
400m – 3rd place: 51.97s
4x100m – 2nd place: 44.44s
4x400m – 2nd place: 3:32.55s
4. Irfan Daniel Aman Abdullah (BP19)
High jump – 2nd place: 1.84m
4x100m – 2nd place: 44.44s
4x400m – 2nd place: 3:32.55s
5. Hariss Haydar Rizalmi (BD15)
400m – 2nd place: 57.37s
6. Mizan Muhaimin Azalan (BP15)
400m – 1st: 54.09s (record)
800m – 3rd place: 2:13.44s
1,500m – 3rd place: 4:40.98s
4x400m – 1st: 3:43.16s (record)
7. Nurul Ainin Sofea Mohammad Faudziman (BPP15)
800m – 1st: 2:42.52s (record)
1,500m – 1st: 5:48.33s (record)
4x100m – 3rd: 56.21s
4x400m – 1st: 4:46.14s (record)
8. Muhammad Umar Mukhriz Rozmi (BP15)
4x400m – 1st: 3:43.16s (record)
Top row (L-R): Nadim, Muhammad Iddin. Nurul Ainin Sofea, and Easson. Bottom row (L-R): Muhammad Umar, Harriss Haydar, Mizan Muhaimin and Irfan Daniel.
“Training para athletes has turned out to be a rewarding journey,” said Murugan, as his athletes of various ages warmed up under his watchful eye at Arena Sukan Kuala Lumpur in Setapak on Malaysia Day (Sept 16).
“Many have doubts about training para athletes. But I see it as a chance for them to excel, to have a brighter future. I want them to excel in sports. I want them to know their capabilities,” he added.
‘Malaysia para athletes have massive potential’
The good run by his para athletes has spurred Murugan to concentrate on those who are challenged, yet are eager to make a difference.
“Kuala Lumpur will carry out trials for next year’s Malaysia Games (hosted by Selangor). Besides my other runners, I’m going to push my para athletes. I believe they can make the cut.”
The three para athletes Murugan has identified are Nadim, Muhammad Iddin and Easson.
“I am happy that Nurul Ainin Sofea has been selected to represent the country in the 800m and 1,500m events at the Asean Para Games in January,” he said.
“There is a huge potential for para athletes in Malaysia. Even the (Malaysian) government is paying attention to the welfare of the athletes.
“It’s only right that we also give these athletes the same opportunities.”
Creating champions, Murugan’s way
Murugan’s proudest moment was winning silver in 4x400m at the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Joining Murugan on the podium Ramzi Bakar, S. Vasu and D. Nadarajan.
He traded his spikes for a whistle and stopwatch, setting up Kelab Olahraga Setiawangsa in 2017. The ultimate goal – to unearth talents.
Murugan was also an active member in the Selangor Athletics Association, until recently, when he and several others were handed a “life ban” for allegedly going against the higher-ups in the state body.
The Sports Commissioner’s Office is aware of the issue and is in the midst of investigating the matter.
Murugan, however, remains unperturbed and is determined to let his work do the talking by creating champions.
He is already seeing results. His club’s athletes – K. Kaviithanjali (400m and 800m) and P. Risheraam (800m and 1,500m) represent Kuala Lumpur in national-level meets.
“My goal is to produce at least 10 athletes who will participate in the 2030 Malaysia Games. I know it can be done,” said Murugan, as he headed to the tracks to be with his athletes, doing what he loves best – moulding future stars.