KUALA LUMPUR – National para shot putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli has no intention of retiring from international competition despite missing out on a fourth consecutive Asian Para Games gold medal, vowing to return stronger next year.
Ziyad had to settle for silver at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games yesterday, ending his reign as champion after winning gold at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
The setback has left the experienced athlete disappointed after months of preparation, but he remains determined to continue representing Malaysia, with next year’s World Championships among his targets.
Ziyad admitted that losing the title was difficult to accept, particularly after putting in the work and making every effort to defend his crown.
“I am quite disappointed because winning the title at the Asian Para Games was what we came here for. I had prepared thoroughly, trained hard and done everything I could to achieve that goal, but unfortunately, things did not go my way this time,” he told Scoop when contacted.
His bid for another gold medal was thwarted by Saudi Arabia’s Bader Ali, who threw 17.08 metres to clinch the title and set a new Games record.
The result ended Ziyad’s pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive title at the continental competition, leaving him with silver instead.
However, the loss has not weakened his resolve to compete at the highest level. The 2027 season will provide another opportunity for the Gombak-born athlete to regain his form and pursue further success.
Ziyad said he would prioritise recovery before returning to training and preparing for upcoming competitions.
“This is not a decision for me to stop representing the country. I still want to compete for Malaysia, and I will take the time I need to recover before getting back into training and preparing myself for the next competitions.
“Insya-Allah, I will return in 2027 with renewed determination and prove that I can become a better athlete. I want to come back stronger from this disappointment and continue doing my best to bring pride to Malaysia,” he said.
He also thanked his family for their sacrifices and continued encouragement throughout his sporting career, while expressing appreciation to friends and Malaysians who had supported him and prayed for his success.
Acknowledging the expectations surrounding his campaign, Ziyad said winning gold had been his own ambition as well. Although he could not achieve that goal this time, he maintained that he had given his best in representing the country.
“I am grateful to my family for all the sacrifices they have made for me, as well as my friends and everyone in Malaysia who has continued to support me and pray for my success.
“I know people wanted to see me win gold again, and that was my target too. Although I could not deliver the result we were hoping for this time, I gave everything I had to represent Malaysia and will continue working hard to make the country proud,” he said. – October 24, 2026
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