His voice carries weight. Irfan is not only at the peak of his career, he is also one of the country’s most consistent performers.
He secured a seventh consecutive gold medal in the discus at the 2025 SEA Games, a run that reflects discipline and sustained excellence.
On the continental stage, he has also delivered. He won silver at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships in India and added two bronze medals in later editions.
His personal best throw of 62.55m, set in Linz in 2017, remains the Malaysian national record and places him among Asia’s leading throwers.
In an interview with FMT from his training base in Hungary, where he is preparing for the Asian Games in Japan from Sept 19 to Oct 4, Irfan spoke with urgency and clarity.
Widely seen as Malaysia’s best hope for an athletics gold at the Games, he knows that what happens off the field could shape what unfolds on it.
His intervention follows outspoken calls from Melaka Athletics Association president Fadzil Bakar and former national hurdles great Hamdi Jaafar.
As an athlete still chasing medals, Irfan brings the issue into sharp focus. For him and others like him, this is immediate and a duty to the nation.
For Irfan, the risk is no longer theoretical. It is already part of daily conversation among athletes.
FMT: Do athletes talk about the possibility of sanctions?
Irfan: Yes, we do, and it’s worrying. We’ve seen what happened to other countries when federations were sanctioned.
If Malaysia Athletics is sanctioned by World Athletics, we could lose the chance to compete internationally. That means no SEA Games, Asian Games, World Championships, and even Olympic qualification could be affected.
FMT: As an athlete at the peak of your career, how concerned are you?
Irfan: I’m very concerned, not just for myself, but for all Malaysian athletes. We train for years, sometimes decades, for opportunities like the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympics.
If administrative issues put that at risk, it’s devastating because it’s outside our control.
FMT: You’re seen as Malaysia’s best prospect for an Asian Games gold. What would Malaysia Athletics’ suspension mean for you?
Irfan: It would mean losing one of the biggest opportunities of my career. As a discus thrower, you don’t get many peak years. I’ve worked extremely hard to reach this level, and the Asian Games is a realistic target for me.
If I can’t compete because of governance issues, that’s something I can never get back. No athlete should have to pay that price.
FMT: What’s your view on the controversy involving the presidency and global rulings?
Irfan: As athletes, we may not be involved in governance, but we understand one thing clearly. When World Athletics and the Court of Arbitration for Sport make a decision, it has to be respected.
If someone is ruled ineligible, the federation must comply. Otherwise, the consequences fall on athletes, not officials.
The best way forward is for Karim Ibrahim to step aside and allow the situation to stabilise.
FMT: Do you see this as a leadership issue?
Irfan: Yes, and it’s serious. Leadership is about responsibility and accountability.
When governance raises questions, including perceived conflicts of interest, it affects trust. At this level, decisions must not only be fair but seen to be fair.
If decisions go against World Athletics and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, you are risking the careers of an entire generation of athletes.
FMT: What would you like to say to those in charge right now?
Irfan: Every decision affects athletes’ lives and careers.
Resolve this quickly. Align with World Athletics rules and protect the athletes. We represent Malaysia. We just want a fair chance to compete under our flag.