Video review robs Penang walker Aiman of Sukma gold
SERDANG: Penang walker Aiman Haikal Sahrudin crossed the finish line first, but his Sukma gold medal was taken away after a dramatic post-race disqualification today.
Serdang: In a shocking twist at the Selangor Malaysia Games, Penang walker Aiman Haikal Sahrudin was stripped of his gold medal after a post-race video review revealed he had breached track rules during the men's 20,000m walk. The 18-year-old had initially crossed the finish line first, seemingly securing a double victory by winning the 20,000m race at UPM Stadium.
However, his triumph was overturned following protests from Federal Territories and Kelantan over his track infringement. A three-member jury panel conducted a thorough analysis of video footage, uncovering that Aiman had crossed the track boundary more than once during the final six laps of the 50-lap race. Despite his Penang team appealing the decision, the jury, chaired by S. Chinetamby, maintained the disqualification.
Consequently, the gold medal was awarded to second-place finisher Khor Jing Hong, who clocked in at 1:36:32. Kelantan's Ahmad Farish Irfan Ahmad Fahmi claimed silver, while Penang's Sriven Tan secured bronze. The disqualification dealt a significant blow to Aiman, who had previously won the 10,000m walk earlier that day. Jing Hong, however, expressed relief as he retained the 20,000m title he had won at the 2024 Sarawak Sukma.
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