21-Year-Old Silat Athlete Dies After Being Kicked By His Opponent During A Pre-SUKMA Game
The athlete had turned down several university offers to focus on representing Terengganu at SUKMA 2024.
By Sadho Ram — 04 Mar 2024, 11:17 AM
A Silat athlete from Terengganu died on Sunday during a pre-Malaysia Games (SUKMA) competition in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Wan Muhammad Haikal Wan Hussin, 21, was taking part in a bout when his opponent's kick made him lose consciousness on Saturday afternoon, 2 March, reported the New Straits Times.
The incident took place at the Coral Height Park community hall. An ambulance rushed Haikal to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban, where he was pronounced dead at 1.20am on Sunday, 3 March.
The Terengganu state government has expressed condolences over the passing of the talented athlete
According to Terengganu State Youth Development, Sports, and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairperson Hishamuddin Abdul Karim, Haikal was a potential SUKMA medalist in the Men's Class l (85-90 kilogrammes) category.
"In the records of the Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT), this is the first such incident to occur in silat sports activities, and it is certainly shocking to all parties. The MSNT will thoroughly investigate and scrutinise this incident. Follow-up actions will be taken," he said in a statement to Bernama.
According to his sister, Haikal had turned down several university offers to focus on representing Terengganu at SUKMA 2024
"He was enthusiastic about participating in SUKMA because this year was his last chance to represent Terengganu as he had turned 21. But unfortunately, this has happened," Wan Nor Haslinda, Haikal's elder sister, said.
Haslinda said she last met Haikal in early February when he visited her home in Kuala Terengganu.
I don't blame anyone and accept what happened because it was beyond my control.
