Nuafal Takdir Al Bari, a promising 19-year-old Indonesian gymnast, has tragically passed away following a severe neck injury sustained during training in Russia. He succumbed to his injuries after a two-week hospitalization.
The young athlete was among five Indonesian gymnasts sent to train at the Burtasy Sports Training Center in Penza, Russia. The unfortunate accident occurred on September 13, during a routine training session. According to reports from the Russian newspaper Tass, Al Bari suffered a critical fall. He reportedly slipped from a protective foam mat, landing awkwardly and striking his head and neck directly on the surface, which led to the grievous injury.
Following the incident, his teammates promptly transported him to a local hospital. Despite receiving intensive medical care for over two weeks, Al Bari’s condition did not improve, and he sadly passed away.
Known for his exemplary character and immense potential within Indonesia’s gymnastics community, Al Bari’s death has sent shockwaves through the sport. The Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (IGF) issued an official statement expressing their profound sorrow and condolences, lamenting the loss of such a talented and promising young individual. The IGF also extended its deepest sympathies to Al Bari’s grieving family.
In response to the tragic event, the Russian Gymnastics Federation has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Al Bari’s accident. Concurrently, arrangements are being made to repatriate his body to his family in Indonesia.
His passing comes just a month before the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championship, slated to be held in Jakarta from October 19-25. Indonesian CNN reported that the death of the 19-year-old gymnast has deeply affected other gymnasts and the broader sports community across Indonesia.
Al Bari was also a prospective candidate poised to represent Indonesia at the upcoming 33rd SEA Games, adding another layer of sorrow to his untimely demise. This incident draws parallels to a similar tragedy in 2023, when Vietnamese gymnast Nguyen Minh Triet, then 18, also suffered a fatal neck injury attempting a complex double backflip. He ultimately passed away in 2024 from the complications.
