Qabil will get help in bid to qualify for Tokyo Games

PETALING JAYA: Help is on the way for equestrian rider Qabil Ambak to restore his hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games.

The Asian Games silver medallist was forced to cut short his stay in Europe after he overstayed his visa by 20 days in Denmark and was recently deported.

Qabil has been going around Europe to compete in equestrian events since the start of the year to gain ranking points in the Tokyo Olympic qualifying campaign, which comes to an end on Dec 31.

Qabil has competed in 10 dressage competitions in Europe so far and is the third-ranked Asian rider on 748 points behind South Korean Young Shik-hwang (773) and New Zealand’s Wendi Williamson (776).

Qabil will make the cut for the Tokyo Olympics as long as he is one of the top two ranked riders from Asia by Dec 31.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he is aware of Qabil’s situation and is looking at the best solution to resolve the issue.

“I brought up this matter to the National Sports Council (NSC) last month,” said Syed Saddiq.

“It takes time as it involves legal issues of another country.

“Qabil’s lawyer in Europe is also looking at the best option to get him to return to Denmark and NSC are in touch with him.

“We will probably need to get the support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs after we get the necessary documents.

“NSC are also looking at other alternatives for Qabil and for his horse, which is now at the training centre in Denmark,” he added.

Qabil has sought assistance with the Denmark embassy in Singapore last week and has made an appeal and is still waiting for an answer.