Kedah rugby player Azlan dies, Agong’s Cup to observe silent tribute

KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah rugby player Azlan Azhari died at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar today.

Azlan was being treated for internal bleeding and heat stroke after collapsing during Kedah’s Agong’s Cup group A match against Johor in Sintok on Saturday. He was 22.

Azlan was unmarried and was a student at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.

He is expected to be laid to rest at Tanah Perkuburan Masjid Nurul Huda Lepai, Alor Setar later today.

Kedah Rugby Union (KRU) described Azlan’s demise as a huge loss.

“The entire Kedah rugby community extends its deepest condolences to the family. May they be granted strength and resilience,” said KRU in a post on social media.

“Kedah rugby has lost a gem, a loss that is deeply felt by the entire rugby fraternity and all the friends who knew him.”

Azlan scored a try just a minute before half time during the match, which is when he began to feel unwell. He managed to walk back to Kedah’s half for the restart but then became unstable and collapsed.

Malaysia Rugby (MR) secretary-general Fahmy Jalil said there was no specific match incident that can be attributed to the internal bleeding sustained by Azlan.

“The late Azlan was given immediate medical treatment on-pitch by the doctor who was assigned for the match and was then promptly sent to hospital by ambulance,” said Fahmy when contacted today.

Fahmy disclosed that all Agong’s Cup matches scheduled for this week will observe a minute of silence in honour of Azlan.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times