SOLO: Two-time world champion and Paralympic gold medallist Abdul Latif Romly underlined his dominance in the Asean Para Games (APG) by winning his fourth consecutive long jump F20 (intellectual impairment) gold medal here today.
The 25-year-old from Perlis, who made his debut at the 2013 APG in Myanmar, cleared 7.20m at the Manahan Stadium here, to clinch the title.
Latif's teammate Zulkifly Abdullah clinched the silver with 6.43, followed by Singapore's Suhairi Suhaini (5.78).
Though Latif's effort today was nowhere near his world record of 7.64m, which he had set at the 2018 APG in Jakarta, he was satisfied with his performance here. It was his first major competition since suffering a groin injury at the Tokyo Paralympics last September, where he managed to defend his title.
"I dedicate this medal to my family because this could be my last competition this year as a bachelor. After this, I will prepare for the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. My plans will depend on the programme prepared by my coach," said Latif, who will end his bachelorhood soon.
Meanwhile, Ashraf Haisham's last-minute decision to compete in the men's 5,000m T46 (physical impairment) paid off as he won a silver.
The 26-year-old clocked 17 minutes and 06.360 seconds behind King James (16:53.950s) of the Philippines, while Indonesia's Rifki Ahmad (18:57.200s) took bronze.
"It was a good experience for me after deciding to participate in this event. I tried to go for gold but was not good enough," he said.
Compatriot Ridzuan Puzi boosted his medal collection at the APG by winning silver in the men's 200m T36/37 (cerebral palsy) with a time of 25.440s after his 100m gold in the same classification on Monday.
Indonesia's Saptoyogo (23.090s) emerged champion while Le Van (26.390s) of Vietnam finished third.
In the women's long jump F20 (intellectual impairment), Nur Alia Ardiela Natasya leapt 4.61m to win silver.
Indonesia's Rica Octavia (5.25m) won gold while bronze went to Ma Ravinia (3.91m) of the Philippines. – Bernama