KUALA LUMPUR: Tragedy struck hurdler Hazriq Che Mat Kilau on Monday when he suffered injuries following a motorcycle accident in Kluang, ending his hopes of qualifying for the Under-20 Asian Championships in Dubai on April 24-27.
Hazriq was eager to beat the Asian meet qualifying mark in the men's 110m hurdles at the Federal Territory All Comers Championships in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
The 17-year-old said he was riding a pillion when his friend lost control of the motorcycle after school on Monday. He suffered bruises to his legs and hand.
Despite recovering from his injuries, Hazriq set for his final two Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) papers on Wednesday and Thursday at the Tun Hussein Onn Sports School in Kluang.
Hazriq is now in Bukit Jalil for treatment at the National Sports Science (NSI).
"I am sad as I will now not get a chance to compete in my first Under-20 Asian meet. I am not sure how long it will take to recover from my injuries.
"However, I hope to return to competitive action soon to qualify for the Under-20 World Championships in Lima in August," said Hazriq, who has to beat the qualifying mark of 14.20s to earn a berth.
Hazriq clocked 13.46 to break the Malaysia School Sports Council Championships record in Seremban last year to erase the previous record of 13.73.
In December, Hazriq clocked 13.44 to set a new record and win gold at the Sea Youth Athletics Championships in Bangkok.
The FT All Comers Championships have attracted 1,015 entries, including 10 from Singapore.