KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated national para-athletics ace Datuk Abdul Latif Romly for displaying exceptional fighting spirit to clinch his fourth consecutive gold medal in the men's T20 long jump at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.
The prime minister praised the national athlete's resilience in delivering his best performance to defend his title despite not being in the best of health.
"Alhamdulillah, Malaysia have won our third gold medal! Congratulations to Datuk Abdul Latif Romly, who has won his fourth consecutive gold medal in the men's T20 long jump at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.
"Latif has displayed exceptional fighting spirit by giving his best despite his less-than-optimal health condition, successfully defending his title. His spirit makes us all proud!" he said in a post on his official social media account today.
Anwar also offered words of encouragement to the other national athletes to continue striving for success at the Games.
"To the other national athletes, keep fighting, stay focused and give your best. Let us continue to achieve success and bring glory to Malaysia!" he said.
In the event held at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Abdul Latif recorded a best jump of 7.39m to secure the title he has held since the 2014 edition in Incheon, South Korea.
Latif, who holds the world record of 7.67m, previously won gold at the 2018 edition in Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia, and the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, China.
Latif's achievement gave Malaysia their third gold medal at the Games.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
