PARALYMPIC cyclist Afiq Afify Rizan, 20, has been withdrawn from the tandem 1km time trial final today after he collapsed at the Games Village in Rio de Janeiro this morning.
Afiq, who was due to compete as stoker with pilot Faizal Mohd Noh, is said to have complained of severe headaches before collapsing.
National para cycling head coach Johari Nayan, when contacted in Rio de Janeiro, said Afiq was immediately rushed to hospital and was tested for suspected meningitis.
"He is being treated by a neurologist and they have started an antibiotics course. However, earlier MRI and CT scans came out negative for meningitis," said Johari.
He said doctors will carry out a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis later today to confirm Afiq's condition.
"At the moment his condition is stable and he is recovering. His headaches have also subsided," said Johari.
"But we have been forced to withdraw him from the 1km time trial final."