KUALA LUMPUR – National record-holder Umar Osman was forced to withdraw from the 400m diamond race final at the Varsity Track and Field Championships today due to a groin injury.
Speaking to Scoop, the Cambodia SEA Games gold medallist revealed that he had been dealing with the injury just before the Hangzhou Asian Games, and it worsened after participating in yesterday’s semi-finals at the UM Arena in Universiti Malaya.
“My coach and I only discovered my injury right before the race.
“Honestly, I was so disappointed not to be able to compete today after working so hard to reach the final.
“Although I felt mentally strong and could have continued racing, my coach advised me to undergo a platelet-rich plasma injection promptly to prevent the injury from worsening.
“It will take at least six to eight weeks for me to recover, and I’m relieved that there are no more tournaments for the rest of this year, allowing me to fully focus on my recovery,” said the 20-year-old.
Umar further expressed gratitude to the National Sports Council for the willingness to sponsor his training and studies at Auburn University in the United States.
The Johorean also said that he has not received a specific date for the entry test, a mandatory requirement for students intending to pursue their studies at the university.
“There are several tests, including listening, speaking and writing. The writing test involves composing a not-very-lengthy essay, and there is also a conversation test with artificial intelligence.
“I don’t know when I will be taking the test, but I will definitely do it when I’m confident. I will likely utilise my recovery time to practise for the entry test,” added Umar.
Azeem Fahmi, who clinched the 100m bronze at the Hangzhou Asiad, is also enrolled at Auburn University.
In August , Umar shattered his own national 400m record twice in 24 hours at the World University Games in Chengdu, China.
The Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan student clocked 46.33s to better his national record of 46.34s set at the Phnom Penh Sea Games in May. – November 18,2023