SHAH ALAM - National para long jump star Datuk Abdul Latif Romly once again proved his dominance on the world stage after breaking his own world record to win gold at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, on Sept 28.
The 28-year-old leapt 7.67 metres on his third attempt in the F20 (intellectual impairment) long jump final, surpassing his previous world record of 7.64m set at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
His outstanding performance also shattered the championship record of 7.61m.
“I am very satisfied with my performance today because I was able to break two records; the championship record (7.61m) and the world record in New Delhi,” Latif said in a statement after the event.
The gold medal marks his fifth world championship title, adding to his previous victories in 2015 (Doha), 2017 (London), 2023 (Paris) and 2024 (Kobe).
Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Dawshi took silver with a 7.36m jump, while Matvei Iakushev, competing as a Neutral Paralympic Athlete, claimed bronze with 7.22m.
Reflecting on his triumph, Latif dedicated the medal to his loved ones.
“I dedicate this medal to my wife and children. From now on, I will balance my training and give time to my wife and the baby who will be coming soon,” he said.
Latif first made global headlines at the 2016 Rio Paralympics when he struck gold in the T20 long jump with a then-world record of 7.60m at just 19 years old.
He went on to defend his title at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics despite competing with an injury, cementing his reputation as one of Malaysia’s most decorated para athletes.
With his latest feat in New Delhi, Abdul Latif continues to raise the bar for Malaysian athletics, reinforcing his legacy as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.