Khairulnizam battles back from surgery to Asian Games podium

NAGOYA: Olympian sailor Khairulnizam Afendy expressed his elation after recovering from surgery for a slipped disc and earning a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The 33-year-old finished third out of 18 competitors in the men's dinghy event, earning 14 points. South Korea's Ha Jee-min claimed gold with nine points, and Hong Kong's Nicholas Bezy secured silver with 11 points.

Khairulnizam spent six months recuperating from surgery earlier this year, leaving him with only three months for intensive preparations. Despite facing stronger rivals, he drew on his past experience to make a successful comeback after an eight-year absence. Khairulnizam, who had been dealing with the injury since last year, decided to have surgery after the Southeast Asian Games.

He described his bronze medal as feeling like gold, acknowledging the role his experience played in his achievement. Khairulnizam, now the first Malaysian sailor to win three Asian Games medals, hopes his success will inspire young athletes to persevere and prove they can succeed despite age-related challenges. He expressed gratitude to the National Sports Institute, National Sports Council, Malaysian Sailing Association, and his family for their support throughout his journey. Khairulnizam now aims to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.