By Luqman Hakim
The 2019 Heavea Cup Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, organised by Halcyon Agri Corporation and held at Tenby International School Ipoh, lasted from September 27 to 29.
Teams from three regional countries participated with Malaysia playing host. Team Indonesia emerged champion defeating Team Singapore in the final, 54-31. Team Malaysia secured third and fourth place.
Deputy Managing Director of Halcyon, Wang Gee Hock said that the objective of the tournament was to enable the disabled to interact with the public. It was also an opportunity for them to participate in vigorous physical activity.
“Other than Singapore, where our headquarters is located, the tournament is also held in Palembang, Indonesia and in Hat Yai, Thailand,” he added.
Rikadusngambut, 25, from Flores, Indonesia said that despite losing both legs and his right limb due to electrocution, his motivation to play got stronger instead of weaker.
“I started playing wheelchair rugby in 2011. It’s hard to accept the fact that I’m playing with only one hand,” he stressed. “After meeting others with similar handicaps as mine, I felt thankful for what I still have today.”
The principal of Tenby International School Ipoh, Richard Davidson, said that tournament such as this could motivate and inspire students besides drawing them closer to the disabled.
