# Johor Sikhs raise RM10,000
# Crown Prince of Pahang Tengku Abdullah chips in with another RM10K
# Datuk Dr Harjit and Johor Cricket Association raise RM7,500
‘This is truly Malaysia” were the first words a jubilant Amarjit Singh Randhawa – father of Malaysian high jumper Nauraj Singh said when told that he will be joining his son in Rio de Janeiro when he makes his Olympics debut.
“I am lost for words but this is truly Malaysia. It is a pleasant surprise and I never expected to be in Rio and watch my son compete. It is fantastic.”
The Johor Sikhs Golf Association held a golf tournament on Friday and raised RM10,000 while sports loving Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the Crown Prince of Pahang, chipped in with RM10,000 to the cause – to send raise funds to send Amarjit – Nauraj’s number one fan and supporter to be with the high jumper in Rio.
Johor Cricket Association president Datuk Dr Harjit Singh raised another RM7,500 through his friends to make it RM27,500 and more is expected to be raised because of the high cost in Rio.
Majid Manjit Abdullah, the president of the Johor Sikhs Golf Association started the ball rolling with the golf tournament and said: “To have someone with you when you are competing in a major competition like the Olympics can boost your confidence.
“It is our way of showing our appreciation to Nauraj because he qualified on merit and brought recognition to Malaysia,” said Manjit who is also a vice president of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and the deputy president of the Johor Hockey Association.
Nauraj cleared 2.29m at the Singapore Open Athletics Championships in April to earn his ticket to Rio on merit – which equalled the Olympic qualifying mark.
Amarjit, who is currently jobless said: “I never expected this but I thank HRH Tengku Abdullah, Manjit, Datuk Dr Harjit and all those who have contributed to make my trip possible.
“This is a big boost to Nauraj and hopefully it will bring joy and glory to Malaysia. I thank all from the bottom of my heart. Malaysians have once again shown the caring people they are.
“This is truly Malaysia,” added Amarjit, himself a keen sportsman and played for Johor as a goalkeeper in hockey tournaments.
Manjit expects the fund for Amarjit’s trip to Rio to breach the RM30,000 mark.
