iMSPORT.TV – On a visit to Jakarta as part of the preparations for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, FIG President Morinari Watanabe learned of the tragic death of Indonesian gymnast, Al Bari, during training in Russia.
Visibly emotional on hearing this news, just a few weeks before the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation is set to welcome athletes from all over the world, he had this to say:
“I was lost for words and couldn’t stop crying,” FIG President said.
Born in Java, in the eastern part of Indonesia, Al Bari lived with his parents. He was a gifted gymnast, and he left his parents to train in Jakarta. He was a kind, honest, and hard-working boy who was good to everyone.
He had a dream of competing in the World Championships in Indonesia and, one day, in the Olympic Games. He trained in Japan to make his Olympic dream come true. This time, he was training in Russia to adjust to the time difference ahead of competing in the World Cup in Hungary.
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FIG President Visits Family of Al Bari in Java
Sadly, he died in an accident during training. He was not attempting a high-difficulty skill. It wasn’t a terrible mistake that would have caused a major injury. But God took him to heaven. He passed away, leaving behind his dreams of competing in the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
“I rushed to meet his parents, who live in Java, Indonesia. Meeting them won’t bring their son back. All I can do is to share in their grief as the President of the International Gymnastics Federation. It’s truly heartbreaking. I want to see his smile again. It’s so regrettable.”
“I want to tell gymnasts and coaches around the world: Gymnastics is the most difficult sport of all. That’s why we love gymnastics and take pride in being gymnasts. Gymnastics is not dangerous if we train properly.”
But we must never forget: All sports and activities carry the risk of injury. For example, you could sprain your ankle just by walking. Don’t let your guard down. Please pay the utmost attention during training.
The Indonesia Gymnastics Federation and its athletes are devastated, with just three weeks to go until the World Championships. However, they will strive to ensure that the Jakarta World Championships, Al Bari’s dream, are a success.
“To the gymnastics family in the world, let’s work together to make the Jakarta World Championships Al Bari’s dream a success.”
“Let us pray for Al Bari. May his soul rest in peace.”
(adm/amr)
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