KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu's silat athlete Wan Muhammad Haikal Wan Hussin, who died earlier this morning, was willing to turn down several offers to pursue university education in order to focus on representing Terengganu at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024.
Wan Nor Haslinda, Haikal's elder sister, said last year her brother received offers from several public universities, but the fourth of five siblings intended to continue his studies for a bachelor's degree after the Sukma.
"He was enthusiastic about participating in the Sukma because this year was his last chance to represent Terengganu (at Sukma) as he had turned 21. But unfortunately, this has happened," she said when contacted by Bernama.
Wan Nor Haslinda said the last time she met Wan Muhammad Haikal, who was known to be quiet, was in early February when he visited her home in Kuala Terengganu.
The remains of Wan Muhammad Haikal are expected to arrive in Terengganu later this evening and will be buried at the Kampung Alur Selising cemetery in Jerteh after the Isyak prayers.
Wan Muhammad Haikal died at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital, Seremban, after collapsing during the Sukma pre-selection competition yesterday evening.
National Silat Federation (Pesaka) secretary-general Bibi Aishah Golbal Shah said that Wan Muhammad Haikal collapsed and lost consciousness during the competition, at Coral Heights Park Community Hall, in Sikamat, Seremban.
Meanwhile, the Terengganu state government expressed condolences and sadness over the passing of the talented and highly potential athlete.State Youth Development, Sports, and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman, Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said the late Haikal was a potential medalist in the Sukma in the Men's Class l (85-90 kilogrammes) category.
He said the report of Wan Muhammad Haikal's death was received this morning and his office is awaiting a detailed chronological report of the incident."In the records of the Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT), this is the first such incident to occur in silat sports activities, and it is certainly shocking to all parties.
"The MSNT will thoroughly investigate and scrutinise this incident. Follow-up actions will be taken," he said in a statement today.Hishamuddin said arrangements to bring the deceased's remains from Negeri Sembilan to Besut, as well as the welfare of the family, will be managed by MSNT.– BERNAMA