Ahmad Atif Irsyad Ahmad Zahidi reached the pencak silat (tanding) Class D semi-finals at the 2021 SEA Games after taking a disqualification win against the Philippines' Mark James Lacao.

The Malaysian silat exponent was leading 3-1 during the quarter-final bout before he was accidentally hit in the face by his opponent and collapsed on the floor.

While he was given medical attention, Lacao was disqualified from the match and was seen apologising to the Malaysian camp.

In pencak silat, it is forbidden to use excessive force or attack the head or groin area.

Atif was later rushed to hospital for further assessment and treatment.

In a conversation with Astro Arena correspondent Akbar Sahari, he showed no sign of visible concussion and was able to recall the incident.

It proved to be a tough day for the Malaysian silat team as Al-Jufferi Jamari also picked up an arm injury during his pencak silat tanding Class F quarter-final match.

Despite the setback, Al-Jufferi Jamari overcame the injury to defeat his Indonesian opponent and qualify for the semi-finals.