Qabil Ambak Fathil is set to become the first Malaysian equestrian to compete in the Olympics.

One of the two riders who had qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics from the Southeast Asia and Oceania zone in 2019 withdrew recently and Qabil has been named as the replacement in the dressage event.

Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) president Syed Omar Syed Abu Bakar AlMohdzar congratulated the 41-year-old Qabil by posting a message on the association’s Facebook page today.

“This is not only a milestone for the national sport, but for our country as it is the first time a Malaysian is represented in equestrian​ events at the Olympic Games. The Olympics provides us with a special occasion to unite in so many ways,​ especially ​given the global challenges faced amid the Covid-19 pandemic.​

“By being part of the Malaysian Olympic squad, Qabil is a role model for the equestrian and for all Malaysians. We wish him the greatest success and look forward to cheering him on,” Syed Omar said.

Kuala Lumpur-born Qabil was also the first Malaysian to compete at the World Cup Finals in 2003, besides being a multiple Asian and Sea Games medallist, including a silver in the individual dressage event at the 2018 Asian Games.

The Tokyo Games are scheduled to begin on July 23.