KUALA LUMPUR: The unveiling of Malaysia's Paralympic Games attire yesterday has sparked admiration, not only for its design but also for using athletes as models.
Remarkably, images of para swimmer Imaan Aiman and boccia athlete Abdul Razzaq Abdul Rahman have captivated the public.
Footbal fans also see an uncanny resemblance between Imaan and Harimau Malaya winger, Safawi Rasid.
Despite Imaan sporting long, flowing bronze locks compared to Safawi's trademark spiky black hair, fans highlighted their striking similarities on social media.
Fan Fikruddin Aiman expressed delight at seeing Safawi's "involvement" with the Paralympians. "Way to go, Pawi (Safawi)! Make the nation proud at the Paralympic Games."
Muhd Shafiq commented: "Steady Safawi. I thought you were still playing for Terengganu."
Afiq Nasrin marveled at the versatility of the 27-year-old Safawi, describing him as a jack of all trades. "Wah, Pawi (Safawi) is versatile. He can play anything (any sport)."
While Safawi excels on the field, Imaan, 17, has shone in the pool, clinching gold at the 2023 Sea Games in the men's 50m backstroke S14 (intellectual impairment). At last year's Asean Para Games in Cambodia, he raked in four gold, one silver and one bronze.