Para cyclists Khairul Hazwan Wahab and Khairul Nizam Mohd Ali injured when a pickup truck rammed into them while training along the Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor (Latar) highway on Thursday, were discharged from the Sungai Buloh Hospital on Friday.
However, the duo’s participation in the 9th Asean Para Games which begin in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 17, remains in doubt.
According to assistant coach Mohd Iqbal Sokri, Khairul Hazwan and Khairul Nizam were fortunate to escape with minor injuries and concussions.
“The stokers’ participation currently remain unknown. We will wait for the doctor’s report and recommendation before deciding on their fate. Right now doctors from ISN are monitoring their progress with treatments to ensure a proper recovery.
“Despite the trauma, both riders are in high spirits and eager to compete in the Games. We will, however, have to wait for the doctor’s report before we take a decision on them or allow them to race.
“But so far, everything looks good. Hopes are high and they have enough time to recover well,” said Iqbal.
Meanwhile, the pilots of Mohd Nur Rizuan Zainal (cracked spine) and Muhd Nur Syafiq Suhaimi (fractured right leg) are still hospitalised for their injuries.
“Rizuan and Syafiq will be replaced as they won’t be able to recover in time due to the nature of their injuries.”
“Head coach Johari Nayan has plans for replacements although we have yet to finalise the changes,” said the assistant team manager Kamarul Aizad Othman.
According to Iqbal, the team followed the standard of procedure (SOP) during their training before the unfortunate happened.
Four of the cyclists and Johari were rammed from behind by a four wheel drive while training at the Latar Highway on Thursday.
“We had a van following from the behind and a motorcycle to escort at the front. Both vehicles had their hazard lights and sirens turned on and we had also selected a road which was clear from traffic with three lanes on the highway.
“The cyclists have been on the side lanes where the traffic was not disrupted at all.
So in terms of following the guidelines of safety measures, we had done our part to ensure that,” added Iqbal. – BY ALVIN OH
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