Hangzhou, China: During the Asian Games in Hangzhou, a highly dramatic incident transpired when an athletics official suffered a broken leg due to a hammer strike during a sporting competition. This unfortunate occurrence took place precisely when Kuwaiti athlete Ali Zankawi was making his attempt, momentarily overshadowing the spirit of sportsmanship that had been prevailing throughout the games.
The incident took place as the official was seated in a chair just outside the throwing circle, closely monitoring the hammer-throwing competition. Ali Zankawi, representing Kuwait, aborted his hammer throw attempt on Saturday evening, causing the heavy metal ball, weighing over 7 kilograms (15 pounds), to collide with the protective netting.
However, instead of coming to a halt, the powerful projectile breached the netting, striking the technical official’s right leg. Distressing images captured the moment of impact, showing the official in considerable pain, while Ali Zankawi hurried to assist him.
Following the incident, immediate action was taken to attend to the injured official. He was carefully stretchered out of the arena and provided with emergency medical treatment on-site. Subsequently, he was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and care.
According to reports from Chinese state media, the 62-year-old official is now in a stable condition, with surgery planned to address a fractured right fibula. The incident served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with sports events, even for those in officiating roles.
Ali Zankawi, a seasoned athlete and silver-medalist at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, displayed exceptional sportsmanship by rushing to aid the injured official. Despite the challenges faced during the competition, the games also exemplified the spirit of camaraderie and support among athletes and officials alike.
Ultimately, Chinese athlete Wang Qi claimed victory in the hammer-throwing competition, with veteran Zankawi finishing in eighth place. While the competition continued, the incident underscored the importance of safety measures and vigilance in athletics events, as well as the unity and compassion shared within the sports community.
