Credited from: ABCNEWS
Naufal Takdir Al Bari, a promising Indonesian gymnast, passed away on September 25, 2023, after suffering a serious neck injury during training in Penza, Russia. The 19-year-old athlete spent 12 days in intensive care following the accident, which occurred when he fell awkwardly into a foam pit while attempting a high bar routine, according to the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation and Russian state media reports. His training was focused on the upcoming Artistic Gymnastics World Championships set to take place in Indonesia next month, and he was projected to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, as reported by ABC News, India Times, and The Jakarta Post.
The chairperson of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation, Ita Yuliati, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, "Indonesian gymnastics has lost one of its finest sons," and highlighted the significant impact of Bari's death on the nation's gymnastic community. She emphasized that this incident is a profound tragedy for both the sport and his family, as cited by India Times and The Jakarta Post.
In response to the tragic incident, the Russian Gymnastics Federation has initiated an investigation. Vice President Vasily Titov indicated that the circumstances surrounding the injury were examined and mentioned that the gymnast was not adequately prepared for the complex element he was attempting when the accident occurred, detailed by sources including ABC News and India Times.
Al Bari's passing has reverberated throughout the gymnastics community, marking a significant loss for Indonesian sports. He was regarded as one of the leading figures among Indonesia's Olympic hopefuls, underscoring the potential that his career held before this tragic accident, according to India Times and The Jakarta Post.