Radiant as the torch

Eye candy: Abdul Latif Romly obliging the female fans during the torch run through Pinglan Road in the Zheijiang district in Hangzhou. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The radiant smile on national long jump athlete Datuk Abdul Latif Romly’s face said it all.

He was both thrilled and inspired to be given the honour of being part of the Asian Para Games torch relay event in Hangzhou, China, yesterday.

The 26-year-old Latif described his first experience in a torch run as invaluable and it will be a huge inspiration for him to excel for Malaysia in his third Asian Para Games.

“It was my first time. It was a beautiful and invaluable experience because you’re made to feel important in this games, and the people here have been warm and friendly,” said Latif, who was the 59th runner out of 110 participants in the torch relay.

“Most importantly, for a Malaysian doing it it’s a huge recognition for our nation. So it is a proud moment for me. It will also inspire me to do well in my third outing.”

Latif was also an instant hit among members of the public in Hangzhou, especially women, thanks to his good looks.

He was greeted with thunderous cheers before being surrounded by female fans who also wanted to take pictures with him as he completed the torch run through Pinglan Road in the Zheijiang district.

Latif, the Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist in the T20 (intellectual disability) long jump two years ago, will be out to retain the gold he won in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang edition but he admitted that he is not fully fit as he is still recovering from a groin injury.

He, however, believes that will not hinder him from his goal in Hangzhou.

“I sustained the injury after the World Para Athletics Championships in July.

“I won that competition but it came at a cost as I suffered a groin injury. So from then till now, I was focused on recovery,” he said.

“Am I 100 per cent? Not really, and to get there will be a little tough. But I know the pain is not affecting my jumps. When I compete, it’s me, my strides and the jump, that’s it – nothing else is on my mind.”

Latif realises that he is the favourite to win the gold but he’s aware of rivals who are out to dethrone him.

“I can’t be overconfident. I just focus on what I do and see where it leads me to. I see the Saudi Arabian (Hassan Dawshi) as my top challenger because he did quite well in the World Para Championships.

“I also know the Japanese athletes can be threats. But I am more concerned about what I am going to do. I want to make Malaysia proud again.”