National women's sprinter Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli will not compete in the Malaysia Open Athletics Championship next week, Malaysia Athletics announced via social media on June 14. The championships will run from June 19 to 21 at UPM Stadium in Serdang.
The decision to sit out comes after the athlete confirmed she is expecting. According to the official statement, the pregnancy has reached its third month. Malaysia Athletics extended congratulations to Zaidatul and her husband, Muhamad Firdaus Mazalan, on the news.
Zaidatul holds the national record for the 100-meter sprint and has been the defending champion in both the 100m and 200m events at the Malaysia Open Athletics Championships. Her withdrawal means these titles will be decided among other competitors this year.
Malaysia Athletics expressed warm wishes for the expectant mother and her unborn child in their announcement. The statement included prayers for her good health throughout the pregnancy and requested blessings for a safe delivery.
The organisation conveyed confidence in Zaidatul's eventual return to competition when circumstances permit, affirming national support for her journey as an athlete and expectant mother.
