It will be the proudest moment of para-archer S. Suresh's life if he can bring home a gold medal from the Tokyo Paralympics on Oct 24-Sept 5.
Suresh is definitely fired up as he wants to dedicate the gold to his newborn son, who he has yet to meet due to the strict camp-based training protocols in Bukit Jalil.
His wife, S. Vickneswary, gave birth to a baby boy last month. However, Suresh will only get to hold his bundle of joy after the Tokyo Paralympics.
The 27-year-old was in quarantine after returning from the Para-Archery European Cup in the Czech Republic on July 3-10 and could not be with his wife during the delivery.
The Kuala Ketil-born admits he has missed the most important part of fatherhood but hopes to make amends by doing well in Tokyo.
"I have yet to hold my baby boy due to quarantine and training. We are just a few weeks away from the Games, and I am focused on doing my best.
"Of course, it is painful as I have yet to cuddle my son. I miss both my wife and son, however, it is important for them to stay safe and healthy," said Suresh yesterday.
"I do talk to my wife and see my son during video calls daily. However, it is not the same.
"My wife and family are supporting me. They told me to focus on the mission first.
"Bringing home a gold would be perfect, but any colour medal will do just fine."
Suresh created history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the world recurve title, achieved in the Netherlands in 2019. It earned him a Tokyo Paralympic berth.
However, he failed to shine in the Czech Republic by finishing 37th.
"It was my first competition since 2019, so I felt a bit odd competing after a long time. However, I am better prepared for the Tokyo mission.
"I have used that result as a wake-up call to improve myself for the Games. I hope it will not be too humid in Tokyo during my competition. It is because whenever it is too humid, I get migraine headaches.
"However, I am on medication to help me with it."