Ziyad Zolkefli was stripped of his Tokyo Paralympics F20 Shot Put gold medal and world record due to a technicality.
According to the Youth and Sports Ministry, Ziyad and two athletes from Australia and Ecuador were late to report in at the call room in breach of regulations.
Photo via Utusan
The Ministry explained that they were at the training track at the time, and their lateness was due to rain and the crowded condition at the track.
All three were allowed to compete under protest, and authorities later decided to disqualify them.
Malaysia's appeal was subsequently rejected.
So what's next?
The Youth and Sports Ministry says an official protest will be lodged to the Paralympic Committee and World Para Athletics, asking for Ziyad's medal and world record to be officially recognised.
However it says it can only be done after the Games, and for now we should accept the result.
It adds we must continue to show our backing for Ziyad.
Meanwhile, Ziyad himself has apologised to Malaysians for not being able to gift the country a gold medal, and expressed gratitude for the massive support he received.
By: Faisal Merican
