Luqman’s campaign ended before it started

PETALING JAYA: Gymnast Luqman Al-Hafiz Zulfa’s campaign in the Commonwealth Games ended even before it began.

National men’s gymnastics coach Ng Shu Liang confirmed the 23-year-old was withdrawn from the men’s individual all-around due to a back niggle.

Luqman had been listed as “did not start,” prompting questions over his absence. But Shu Liang said the decision, though difficult, was necessary to protect the gymnast’s health.

“Every athlete wants to compete. He is down, he is upset, but as a coach, his wellbeing is important,” said Shu Liang.

“During podium training, he felt pain in his back, and for the next day or two we tried to help him with the doctors and physios.

“On competition day, we tried our best, and he was eager, but doctors told us it was not right to let him compete. It was high risk, and you know how the sport of gymnastics is — especially events that require a lot of back strength.

“He is young. He will have many more competitions in the future.”

With Luqman sidelined, only Ng Chun Chen and Mohd Sharul Aimy competed in the qualifying round.

Sharul topped in the vault and floor exercise events, scoring 13.725 and 13.250 respectively but finished second in the pommel horse with 12.100. Chun Chen led the pommel horse and parallel bars, scoring 12.400 and 12.850 respectively.

Shu Liang said he was pleased with the pair’s showing, though the final standings would only become clear when the second group complete their routines.

“Sharul was quite outstanding in the vault, and I believe he has a strong chance of making the final.”