By James Crook

US-Ambassador-to-Malaysia-Paul-W-Jones-pose-alongside-Malaysian-paralympians-during-the-Consular-Leadership-Day-talks-at-the-US-Embassy-at-Jalan-Tun-Razak-300x225February 11 - Malaysian Paralympians Hasihin Sanawi and Muhamad Ziyad Zoklkefli have been recognised at the United States Embassy Consular Leadership Day after winning medals at London 2012.


Hasihin took silver in the archery in London, whilst compatriot Ziyad won bronze in the shot put.

"I really wasn't expecting anything and certainly didn't expect to get an award," said Hasihin, who was pipped to the gold medal by Italian Oscar De Pellegrin by just one point.

"I was told the Ambassador [His Excellency Paul W Jones] wanted to meet and I've never been in the US Embassy before." said Ziyad, who threw a personal best to win bronze in the F20 shot put at the 2012 Games.

The 22-year-old also had the opportunity to meet his idol, former Paralympic shot put star Lee Sheng Chow, at the event.

"I was highly honoured to be amongst all these inspirational figures and to see Lee here, I didn't think I'd ever get to meet him," he said

"I asked him what I should do and he gave me some advice."

The Consular sections of the US Embassy invited the Malaysian Paralympic Committee to its annual Consular Leadership Day to visit the embassy.

The event featured talks about the Paralympic Movement, the success at the London 2012 Games and how the increasing numbers of athletes with disabilities has led to change in both laws and perceptions in society. 

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