Long jump athlete bags Malaysia’s third gold medal at Tokyo Paralympics

Long jump athlete Abdul Latif Romly bagged his second Paralympic gold medal in the men’s long jump T20 (intellectual impairment) category at the Tokyo Paralympics today, taking Malaysia’s total gold medal tally at the 2020 Games to three.

The athlete, who hails from Perlis and who also won gold at the 2016 Rio edition, confirmed Malaysia’s third gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics with his very first jump, leaping a distance of 7.26m.

He leapt even further – 7.45m – in his second attempt, leaving his rivals trailing behind him.

Latif, who holds the world record of 7.64m that he set at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia, cleared 7.24m in his third attempt before his fourth attempt was cancelled.

The 24-year-old, who also holds the Paralympic record of 7.60m set in Rio 2016, only managed 5.56m in his fifth attempt due to an injury.

He was forced to forgo the sixth and final attempt and left the field in a wheelchair accompanied by medical personnel.

Athanasios Prodromou of Greece took silver with a leap of 7.17m while Australian Nicholas Hum settled for bronze with 7.12m.

Latif’s success means Malaysia has achieved its three-gold medal target for the Tokyo Paralympics.

Earlier today, Cheah Liek Hou created history by becoming the first player to win gold in the men’s singles SU5 (physical impairment) category as badminton made its debut in the Tokyo Paralympics.

The world number two defeated Anrimusthi Dheva of Indonesia 21-17, 21-15 in the final at the Yoyogi National Stadium.

Malaysia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics came from powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin in the men’s 72kg category on Aug 28.

The national contingent also won two silver medals through Bonnie’s teammate, Jong Yee Khie, in the men’s 107kg category on Aug 30 and boccia player Chew Wei Lun in the mixed individual BC1 (physical impairment) category on Sept 1.