Tireless efforts and the strong determination of a young lad with disabilities from Kampung Paya Kelubi, Bukit Keteri, Arau, led to Malaysia clinching its third gold in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Abdul Latif Romly, 19, beat 11 other contestants with a jump of 7.60m in the men's long jump T20 (learning disability) event en route to the gold in Rio yesterday.

Not only that, he also set a new world record, erasing the old mark of 7.35m which he himself set at the IPC World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar last year.

His mother, Salmah Yatim, 58, said her youngest son, who was diagnosed with learning disabilities, was a blessing to her, and his achievement was outstanding considering his age.

"I am overwhelmed, it is like a dream seeing my son, who was quite a naughty boy, make such a great achievement.

"He makes us so proud," she said, shedding tears of joy after watching the live telecast of the event at the Arau parliamentary constituency Service Centre last night.

Abul Latif's father Romly Mat, 63, was grateful over his son's success and hoped his experience would be able to push him to achieve even greater success in the future.

"I've always supported him, his achievement today was unexpected, I'm proud of him," he said.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister Department Shahidan Kassim, and several Perlis paralympic athletes, who were overjoyed by Abdul Latif's success.

- Bernama