TOKYO – On National Day, the country erupted into an uproar after it was revealed that athlete Zolkefli Muhammad Ziyad lost his gold medal and world record due to a violation at the Tokyo Paralympics shot-put event finals.
What rule was broken?
Ziyad and two other athletes were disqualified under Section II, General Competition Rule 5.5 by failing to report to the call room(s).
So close yet so far
Following the shocking announcement, Chef de mission Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin urged for calm over the situation, reported Bernama.
For now, I do not want to say anything else. We have to be sensitive regarding this matter.
He added that Malaysia had also filed an appeal to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and World Para Athletics (WPA).
Unfortunately, WPA released a statement this morning upholding its earlier decision to disqualify Ziyad and two other athletes from Ecuador and Australia.
According to Rule 5.5, the athletes were allowed to compete under protest while the call-rooms Referee was considering all evidence reported.
The Jury of Appeal has decided to uphold the Referee’s decision after all teams presented the relevant information.
With this announcement, Ziyad is required to forfeit the gold to Ukraine’s Maksym Koval along with his 17.94m World and Paralympic records, previously 17.29m and 16.84m.
Related: Ziyad Apologises For His Gold Medal And World Record Disqualification
Cover Images via Twitter and Instagram
Author: Anna Wong
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
