Paralympics: CDM refutes claim Ziyad late by 28 minutes

 

Malaysia’s chief-de-mission (CDM) to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin has strongly denied an allegation that shot put champion Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli was late to the competition venue by 28 minutes last Tuesday.

Megat said the allegation reported in a local newspaper last Friday which quoted sources from the national contingent was inaccurate as it had not provided any input to any quarter including the reporter concerned.

“I am refuting the claim of the newspaper report. The story given by the sources is irresponsible,” he told Bernama.

Megat hoped the individual perpetrating the action should be more responsible because any untrue speculation could affect the process of investigation on the issue.

The issue involved the withdrawal of the gold medal from Ziyad (above) who participated in the shot put F20 event (intellectual impairment) recently.

In this regard, Megat, who is also Malaysian Paralympic Council president, was prepared to be contacted by the media at any time if they want to get further clarification over the issue.

Last Tuesday, Ziyad was denied the gold medal in the men’s shot put F20 with a recorded throw of 17.94m which is also a new world record.

He was classified as “Did Not Start (DNS)” following a protest against him by the Ukrainian team who claimed that Ziyad was late in reporting himself to the waiting room before the event took place.

The controversy on the seventh day of the prestigious event saw Ukrainian athlete Maksym Koval being announced as the gold medal winner with a 17.34m throw.

He also simultaneously broke the record belonging to Ziyad, namely, 17.29m which the latter created at the 2017 London Paralympics Athletics Championship.

Last Friday, the Youth and Sports Ministry agreed to set up an internal investigation committee on the cancellation of participation and victory of Ziyad at the prestigious Games.

According to its minister, Ahmad Faizal Azumu, the committee would be under the supervision of the National Sports Council with the involvement of independent members.

The committee would be chaired by former Public Service Department director-general Borhan Dolah.

Its members comprised former Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry deputy secretary-general Salim Parlan and Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) chief coach Mohd Manshahar Abdul Jalil.

- Bernama