SEA Games: Filipino disqualified for punching Malaysian silat exponent Ahmad Atif

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.

Terbaring Ahmad Atif Irshad lepas kena illegal jab daripada pahlawan Filipina ni ? Doakan pahlawan Malaysia kita supaya tidak mengalami kecederaan yang serious ??#seagames2021 #sukansea2021 #sokongmalaysia #semarakjuara pic.twitter.com/LxOLjBS9Hf

— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) May 13, 2022

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.

TERKINI keadaan Mohd Atif di hospital…@ASTROARENA pic.twitter.com/EBbXM4ZQBD

— AkbarSahari (@rabkairahas) May 13, 2022

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.

"Kami ni bukan berkerja, kami memikul tanggungjawab" Al Jufferi Jamari ada pesanan untuk semua rakan-rakan atlet yang berjuang bersama-sama di Sukan Sea Hanoi 2021#seagames2021 #sukansea2021 #sokongmalaysia #semarakjuara pic.twitter.com/eZMDsqupFO

— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) May 13, 2022