Remembering Zaki Sapari

Intro written by Yazeen Buhari & Kelvin Leong.

“Hey Zaki our friend, you’re not forgotten”

On 14th February last year, the Singapore Athletics family received a piece of news none of us wanted to believe. Our dear friend Md. Zaki Sapari passed away in a road accident.

One year on, we are still reeling from the loss but we take comfort in the smiles that shine through brightly whenever we share our memories of him with one another.

A bright Singapore hurdling talent who was destined for greatness, Zaki was the record holder for the men’s national junior 400 metres hurdles (53.51 seconds) and was definitely on track to lower his timing in his bid to conquer the national record of 52.3 seconds.

He would have been 23-years-old this year and instead of mourning the loss of our brother, we want to celebrate his life. The way he lived it. Fast, focused and always humble.

Singapore Athletics Association (SAA) president Mr Tang Weng Fei said:

“I remember Zaki as a very humble young man. Always had a ready smile on his face but when he lined up on the track, he was a professional athlete who was destined for big things. One year on, we continue to remember this young man, a budding athlete, a good friend and most definitely a person who will stay etched in the memories of the Singapore athletics family for the rest of time.”

Vice President (Training & Selection), Mr. C Kunalan, recalls,

“I watched him a couple of times in training and competition. An amazing potential I told myself. Thank you Zaki for the memories. I look at the hurdle and I think of you”.

Mr. Loh Chan Pew, SAA’s Vice President (Competitions Organising) and also the former coach of Zaki, vividly remembers the extraordinary talent that he possessed. Proud of his prodigy, Mr. Loh said,

“A fine young man who excelled both on and off the track and one whose exemplary conduct was liked by his peers and even his rivals on track. One year on since we said our last goodbyes to Zaki, yet his memories are still etched in my mind especially so when I am on the track where I used to train him”.

The Singapore Athletics family will also be holding a minute of applause in memory of Md Zaki Sapari at the Series 2 this Saturday and we will also have a banner for competitors to pen their fond memories of our beloved brother.

The banner will then be presented to Zaki’s parents to show that the whole fraternity is with them.

Please use hashtag #RememberingZakiSapari for all Zaki Sapari related post on social media platforms.

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In loving memory of our beloved friend, Md. Zaki Sapari