KUALA LUMPUR: Inclement weather disrupted proceedings at the Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championships on Saturday, but despite the challenges, two Malaysian teams reached the quarter-finals at EV Arena in Shah Alam
In the final group match, the Malaysian men's team were leading 27-13 against Indonesia when the game was abruptly halted due to lightning.
However, it remains uncertain whether the match will resume today or if Malaysia will be awarded a "mercy win".
Captain Taufiq Shahfyrul, who sustained a right ankle injury during Saturday's 27-20 loss to New Zealand, is determined to overcome the pain and lead his team.
"I don't see my right ankle improving significantly," he said.
"But we will persevere and give our best. Being among the top six Asian teams in the tournament is an achievement in itself.
"I will play as I'm the sole quarterback. The competition will be tougher in the quarter-finals."
Taufiq, a 27-year-old former mixed martial arts exponent and current fitness trainer, candidly admitted: "I wasn't initially a fan of non-contact sports, but my interest in flag football was piqued after watching a friend's game on Instagram stories."
Meanwhile, the national women's team reached the quarter-finals after topping Pool B with nine points from three wins.
Other teams in the group were New Zealand, the Philippines, and India.
Their opponents will only be known later today.
