KUALA LUMPUR: Para cyclist Nur Syafiq Suhaimy, 19, has been confirmed to have suffered a broken febula and is out of the Asean Para Games next week.
This comes as a slight relief to coach Johari Nayan, with his three other tandem riders – who were initially feared to have suffered more severe injuries, including spinal fractures – being given the all-clear.
"Syafiq came out of it the worst. The rest are being treated for some fractures and abrasions, but nothing as severe as we initially suspected.
"Still, it is unlikely we will make the road events at the Asean Para Games at full strength," said Johari.
Nor Rizuan Zainal (pilot) and his blind stoker Khairul Azwan Wahab were hot favourites for the time trial gold medal in the road events – but despite Johari being optimistic of them recovering within a week to take on the race, the hit-and-run incident which occurred near Batu Arang this morning has all but destroyed their chances.
Syafiq and Khairul are definitely out.
This opens the door for the reserve tandem, piloted by former national track sprinter Faizal Mohd Noh and his blind stoker Aiman Ashraf Ahmad Bajuri.
"We can slot Faizal and Aiman in as replacements. They have to be ready, so we will make a decision as soon as possible," said Johari, who is himself being treated for abrasions and bruises to his legs, stomach and arms at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Johari said the incident occurred while he was conducting a motorpacing session with the two tandems right behind his motorcycle.
"As usual, our escort vehicles had hazard lights turned on and even on my motorcycle, the blinkers were on," he said.
"All of a sudden we were just knocked down. Before I knew it, I was on the ground and was shocked to see the carnage. A passerby then informed me that he saw that it was a black pick-up truck that knocked us down," he added.