Young Malaysian Sailor Creates History By Winning IODA World Title After 30 Years

IODA 2010 Champion - Pic by Hamzah Osman

LANGKAWI, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Young national sailor Ahmad Syukri Abdul Aziz created history by winning the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) World title in the men's individual event for the first time in 30 years.

Closing Ceremony.

Ahmad Syukri, 14, pulled off a magnificent feat by coming from behind to achieve the most memorable victory in local sailing history said coach Mohd Shahir Abdul Rahim when the championships ended here Friday.

Pic by Hamzah Osman

Anaklangkawi :-

Congratulation to Malaysia Sailor. I hope by this achievement the National Sport Council or Ministry of Youth give special attention to the event & Malaysia sailors which make us all proud.

"His achievement also ensured that our target has been met after 30 years of participation," he told Bernama.

However, he finished second in the overall individual category behind Noppakao Poonpat of Thailand who won the women's individual title as well as emerge as the overall champion.

Another Malaysian sailor Mohd Faizal Norizan finished third in the men's category.

Mohd Shahir said five sailors represented Malaysia in the championships.

Despite the historic achievement of Ahmad Syukri, Malaysia who were the defending overall champion, could only manage third place behind Thailand and Singapore in the Optimist Nation Cup.

The championships saw 232 sailors from 55 countries participating.

Results:

Men's Individual:

1. Ahmad Syukri Abdul Aziz (Malaysia);

2. Okada Keiju (Japan);

3. Mohd Faizal Norizan (Malaysia)

Women's Individual:

1. Noppakao Poonpat (Thailand);

2. Kimberly Lim Min (Singapore);

3. Odile Van Aanholt (Netherland Antilles).

Overall Individual:

1. Noppakao Poonpat (Thailand);

2. Ahmad Syukri Abdul Aziz (Malaysia);

3. Okada Keiju (Japan)

-- BERNAMA