Terengganu strongmen could defy MWF at Sukma

Terengganu weightlifters Nurul Afiqah Muhammad Zamzuri and Muhammad Azfar Kamaruddin have served out their doping bans. And both could still see action at the Johor Sukma (Malaysia Games) next year, even without the blessings of Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF).

The duo tested positive for the banned substance methylhexanamine at the Perak Sukma two years ago but have already completed their eight-month suspension.

They have also returned the two golds, one silver and two bronzes they won at the Games.

MWF, however, sent a letter to Terengganu to say that the duo would not be allowed to compete at next year’s Sukma but the east coast heavyweights are not happy with the decision.

National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said yesterday that Terengganu still have a number of options to appeal.

“I believe the duo still have a chance of competing next year. I think MWF should hold a meeting with Terengganu.

“If Terengganu are not happy with the outcome of that meeting, they can then file an official appeal and it will then be discussed by the Sukma technical committee meeting, which I chair.

“This technical committee comprise technical delegates from each sport as well as the directors of each state sport council.

“This is the first platform for them (to appeal), the second platform is the Sukma supreme committee,” said Shapawi after officiating the Merdeka month flag presentation ceremony with national athletes and officials in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The event, which was held on a small scale due to the Covid-19 situation, featured Paralympic stars Ziyad Zolkefli (para athletics), Cheah Liek Hou (para badminton), squash player Aifa Azman and karate exponent R. Sharmendran.