A 19-year-old Indonesian gymnast has died following a training accident in Russia, after spending 12 days fighting for his life in intensive care. Naufal Takdir Al Bari succumbed to injuries at GA Zakharyin Hospital in Penza, according to Indonesia's gymnastics authority.
The teenager sustained fatal injuries during a training session, marking a devastating end to what many considered a highly promising athletic career.
His death has sent shockwaves through the gymnastics community, with officials confirming the young athlete passed away after nearly two weeks of medical treatment.
The incident has prompted an official investigation by Russian authorities into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Naufal Takdir Al Bari suffered a fatal injury during training
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The fatal accident occurred whilst the young athlete was practising on the horizontal bar, according to police reports. He sustained a severe neck injury after falling into a foam pit following the execution of a complex routine.
These safety features are typically installed to protect gymnasts during training, making the fatal outcome particularly shocking. Authorities have begun examining the circumstances that led to the tragedy at the Russian training facility.
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Vasily Titov, vice president of Russia's gymnastics federation, revealed crucial details about the incident.
"Unfortunately, the athlete was not prepared to perform such a complex element," he stated, indicating that Naufal had attempted an entirely new routine beyond his current capabilities.
The young gymnast had been training for the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships scheduled to take place in Indonesia. His ambitions extended far beyond this competition, with dreams of representing his nation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Naufal Takdir Al Bari was not prepared for the routine, according to Russian authorities
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Indonesia's gymnastics federation acknowledged that Naufal possessed the talent to achieve Olympic qualification had his career continued. Officials described him as one of the nation's most gifted athletes, whose potential remained largely unfulfilled.
The governing body's statement emphasised the magnitude of the loss: "Indonesian Gymnastics has lost the nation's best. This is a deep blow and sorrow for us. May the family be given strength."
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The Indonesian gymnastics authority paid tribute to their "talented gymnast", describing his passing as an enormous loss to both national and international sport. They confirmed that "Athlete Naufal Takdir Al Bari has passed away to the mercy of Allah in Penza, Russia."
Russian gymnastics officials have pledged full co-operation with the ongoing investigation. Titov confirmed that his federation had already conducted an internal inquiry, stating: "We conducted the necessary investigation, and all the circumstances surrounding the injury have been established."
The Russian federation has committed to supporting the repatriation process, ensuring the young athlete's remains are returned home for burial. They have also promised assistance to all those affected by this tragedy.