Malaysian Para Long Jumper Targets Own World Record At Glasgow Games
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysian para long jumper Abdul Latif Romly is aiming to break his own world record of 7.67 metres at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held from July 23 to Aug 2.
After waiting through two editions for the men's T20 long jump (intellectual impairment) event to be included in the Commonwealth Games, Abdul Latif said he hopes to make its debut appearance a historic moment for himself and the country.
The five-time world para champion and two-time Paralympic gold medallist said his preparations are now about 95 per cent complete and that he is injury-free ahead of the quadrennial Games.
"This is the first time my long jump category has been included in the Commonwealth Games. I waited through two editions (2018 and 2022 Games) when it was not contested, and this year the T20 event has finally been included. I have set a target to break the world record. I want to give my best because the event may not be included in the next edition.
"Last month at the Malaysian Open, I jumped 7.76m (non-para), which already surpassed the para world record. At the Commonwealth Games, if possible, I want to target 7.80m or more," the 29-year-old athlete said when met during a training session of the national para athletics squad at the National Sports Council recently.
Abdul Latif, who set the 7.67m world record at the World Championships in New Delhi last year, said that despite having competed at bigger events, particularly the Paralympic Games, he still regards Glasgow 2026 as a special opportunity that he does not want to miss.
Meanwhile, Malaysian para athletics coach Eryanto Bahtiar said Abdul Latif remains the country's main hope of delivering a gold medal in Glasgow based on his current form and statistics.
"Based on the data, God willing, gold is within reach. He is not just going for gold but to break the world record at the Commonwealth Games," he said.
Besides Abdul Latif, two other para athletes who will represent Malaysia in Glasgow are Eljoe Gotuoh in the men's T20 long jump and Muhammad Noorhelmie Mohd Rabi in the men's T12 100m (visual impairment).
Eryanto said Eljoe and Noorhelmie are among the future prospects of Malaysian para athletics, with Eljoe seen as one of Abdul Latif's main successors in the men's T20 long jump.
"For Eljoe, we are targeting a personal best and, with a bit of luck, we believe he can also win a medal. As for Noorhelmie, the T12 100m field is extremely competitive. At the very least, we want him to reach the final," he said.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature 10 sports, including athletics, swimming, track cycling, lawn bowls, boxing, judo and weightlifting, as well as six integrated para sports.
-- BERNAMA
