Different approach as ‘veteran’ Latif eyes next biggies

PETALING JAYA: Four-time Asian Games gold medal winner Abdul Latif Romly is giving his body more time to recover, but his hunger for gold remains undiminished.

At 29, the national para long jump star is adapting his training to meet the demands of staying at the top.

“The training programme is slightly different,” said Latif at the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) presentation ceremony on Tuesday, where he received RM160,000.

“There’s more recovery and rehabilitation as well as some technique work.”

The revised approach comes as Latif continues to deliver on the biggest stages.

He received the incentive for his gold medal performances in the men’s T20 long jump at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games (July) and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games (last month).

His triumph at the Para Asiad secured a fourth consecutive Games title, following victories at Incheon 2014, Jakarta-Palembang 2018 and Hangzhou 2023.

Having sustained that success for more than a decade, Latif is looking to ensure his body can keep pace with his ambitions.

The five-time world champion’s next major target is defending his crown at next year’s World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics firmly in his sights.

“As we get closer to the LA Paralympic Games, my focus is firmly on next year’s World Championships. I need to win a gold or silver medal to qualify on merit.”

Latif will be looking to reclaim his title after having to settle for silver at the last edition in Paris 2024. His other two Paralympic medals were both gold from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

With recovery now playing a bigger role in his preparations, the challenge is to keep himself ready for another golden leap.