Athletics fraternity pays tribute to Zaki Sapari

SINGAPORE — Tragedy stuck the local track and field community last night (Feb 14) when national hurdler Muhammad Zaki Sapari was killed in a motorcycle accident.

A former cross country and distance runner, the 22-year-old had made the switch to the 400m hurdles three years ago. At the 2011 Malacca Open, he broke the 25-year-old national junior record (400m hurdles) after clocking 54.02sec in the final to earn a spot in the Palembang SEA Games. Two years later, he booked his ticket to the Myanmar SEA Games after qualifying with the men’s 4x400m relay team but was unable to compete due to his National Service obligations.

A minute of silence was observed at the Singapore Athletic Association Track & Field Series 2 at Bukit Gombak Stadium today, and Zaki’s former teammates paid tribute to their friend on the association’s Facebook page. Said marathoner Soh Rui Yong: “More than his exploits on the track, I will remember Zaki for being an incredibly fun and easy going guy, yet hardworking and focused when it came to getting his goals in life.”

Added Muhammad Amirudin Jamal, who won a SEA Games silver (men’s 4x100m relay) and bronze in the 100m in Myanmar: “He dreamed of winning in his own backyard in 2015. And his dream and memories will continue to live on in my heart. Until we meet again brother.”