Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim responded to 1998 Commonwealth Games men's 50 kilometres (km) walking event gold medallist, G. Saravanan’s predicament by making a contribution to ease the burden of the walker who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021.
The assistance was extended by the Prime Minister’s Political Secretary Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, who represented Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, during a visit to Saravanan at a hospital near Petaling Jaya today.
"Brother G. Saravanan is not just an ordinary athlete but he is the symbol of national pride. The story of his fight against this disease has attracted the attention of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife (Wan Azizah).
"I also took the time to listen to his story for myself. Although his speech is now limited, the strength of spirit that emanates clearly illustrates how persevering he is in the face of this test. The flame of the champion's spirit that will never be extinguished," he said in a post on Facebook.
Ahmad Farhan at the same time prayed that Saravanan would continue to be given physical strength and peace of mind while all members of his family would be blessed with perseverance, peace of mind and ease of affairs.
Also present to visit the 54-year-old former athlete were Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Adam Adli Abd Halim and representatives of the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB).