Latif has one chance to make history

Datuk Abdul Latif Romly, Malaysia's celebrated para long jumper, views the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as his sole opportunity to etch his name in history. The T20 long jump event, which has not been contested in the previous two editions, is finally included in the Games, with Romly set to compete in the final tomorrow morning.

"This is the first time my event is being contested at the Commonwealth Games. I waited for two editions when this event was not contested, and this year T20 has finally been included," Romly stated. "I have set a target to break the world record. I want to give my best because this event might not be contested again in the future editions. If possible, I want to leap 7.80 meters or more."

Romly, 29, arrives in Glasgow not just as a two-time Paralympic champion and five-time world champion, but also as the current world record holder with a jump of 7.67 meters. His current form further bolsters his confidence. He recently defeated able-bodied athletes to win gold at the Malaysian Open Championship with a jump of 7.76 meters. He then secured another gold at the Kedah Open with a leap of 7.94 meters, shattering a 29-year-old championship record previously held by national legend Zaki Sadri.

“

This is the first time my event is being contested at the Commonwealth Games. I waited for two editions when this event was not contested, and this year T20 has finally been included. I have set a target to break the world record. I want to give my best because this event might not be contested again in the future editions. If possible, I want to leap 7.80 meters or more.

"Alhamdulillah, I am currently free from injury. My target now is to achieve peak performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games," Romly added. "I feel this is the best year for me because my performance this season has been improving. The 7.76-meter mark at the Malaysian Open gives me confidence to do something better in Glasgow. If I can repeat it, it will be a new world record."

With his current performance trajectory, Romly appears poised to end Malaysia's long wait for a Commonwealth gold in this event. However, the challenge extends beyond winning gold; it involves ensuring Malaysia is recognized as the inaugural champion of the T20 long jump at the Games. Achieving this would not only complete Romly's collection of accolades but also mark a significant moment for Malaysian sports.

“

Alhamdulillah, I am currently free from injury. My target now is to achieve peak performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. I feel this is the best year for me because my performance this season has been improving. The 7.76-meter mark at the Malaysian Open gives me confidence to do something better in Glasgow. If I can repeat it, it will be a new world record.