Cover image via Astro Arena
More than 1,000 Malaysians gathered at KLIA's Kompleks Bunga Raya to celebrate our Paralympic heroes' return from Brazil today, 22 September
Image via @missrushdi
The atmosphere was extremely lively even as the crowd waited eagerly to see the faces of our amazing para-athletes
Some of the fans reportedly made their way to the venue about three hours earlier to ensure that they secure the best spots available to get the best view.
The aircraft ferrying the Paralympic contingent had touched down at KLIA around 3.15pm and they finally arrived at Kompleks Bunga Raya about 45 minutes later.
Image via Astro Arena
Every para-athlete and coach of the Paralympic contingent were given a personal introduction by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin
They took turns to take up the space on the stage as Khairy called out their names one by one.
The crowd cheered each time a name was announced even as huge smiles were etched on every face.
Aside from Khairy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah were also present at the grand event.
Image via @tkdnxv
In the midst of all this excitement, gold medallist Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi emerged and stole the show today with his grand entrance
Image via Astro Arena
Ridzuan was the last athlete that was introduced by Khairy, and he has definitely become a star of his own.
His compatriots who won medals at the Rio Paralympic Games 2016 all entered in dramatic fashion – accompanied by Survivor's 'Eye Of The Tiger' song, confetti and theatrical smoke and fog – however, the ever happy Ridzuan did something different.
He stepped on the stage with a sketch of himself in his hand while he gestured the crowd to cheer louder before he was presented with orchid garlands by Najib.
Image via Astro Arena
We honestly couldn't stop smiling the moment we saw Ridzuan 🙂
You may also watch the full video of the grand welcoming ceremony from Astro Arena [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rPAx71d_Qw).
The Malaysian contingent then left Kompleks Bunga Raya for Jalan Tun Razak to be part of a celebratory parade around Kuala Lumpur
Image via @isnmalaysia
WELCOME HOME! <3
Image via Hishammuddin Hussein
