MIDDLE distance runner K. Prabudass has revealed he was battling a mysterious illness in Hanoi and was told by the Malaysian contingent, as advised by doctors, to withdraw from the men's 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m events.
It was a big blow to the 32-year-old as he was in good form to land at least one title and help the Malaysian athletics team surpass their five gold-medal target.
The Malaysian contingent withdrew Prabudass from his events to avoid unwanted risks.
The Seremban-born suffered mysterious fainting spells and had rashes on his body in Hanoi and was admitted to a hospital for tests and treatment.
However, the doctors found nothing after several medical tests and scans. He was, however, still advised not to compete in his events.
It was definitely heartbreaking for Prabudass as his season-best of 3:54.23s in the 1,500m event last April was better than Vietnam's Luong Duc Phuoc (3:54.37), who won the gold.
In the 5,000m event, Prabudass's season-best of 14:44.45s was way faster than the Sea Games winning time of 16:34.10, clocked by Vietnam's Nguyen Van Lai.
"I am very disappointed to end my campaign without getting on the track in Hanoi. I was confident of winning medals," said a frustrated Prabudass.
"I really don't know what happened in Hanoi. I had rashes and fainting spells in Hanoi on May 13 and was admitted.
"The medical tests revealed nothing abnormal.
"It is puzzling, and I was devastated when the doctors advised me not to compete in my events. But, at that juncture, they were only thinking about my health.
"I begged them to let me compete and was even ready to put in writing that I would be participating at my own risk.
"However, they said, No.
"It was frustrating to see some athletes winning some of my events with slower times. I could have won in Hanoi.
"I am sad to see my campaign end this way. At the moment, I am fit and do not feel anything."
Prabudass will now shift his focus to next year's Cambodia Sea Games.
His next meet is the Malaysian Government Servants Welfare and Sports Council's (MAKSAK) Athletics Championships from June 16-19.
"I want to build up and qualify for the Cambodia edition. I feel healthy and looking forwards to improving by PBs," he added.