A 19-year-old Indonesian gymnast died after sustaining a severe neck injury during training in Penza, Russia, according to reports. Naufal Takdir Al Bari succumbed to his injuries after 12 days in intensive care at GA Zakharyin Hospital. The Indonesian Gymnastics Federation confirmed the athlete’s death, stating he had “breathed his last” following the incident.

Al Bari suffered a critical neck injury when he fell awkwardly into a foam pit while practicing on a high bar, as reported by the Russian Gymnastics Federation. The teenager was preparing to compete in the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia and was seen as a potential contender for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Indonesian Gymnastics Chairperson Ita Yuliati expressed deep sorrow, calling Al Bari “a talented young athlete” and “the nation’s best.” She described the loss as a “deep blow and sorrow” for the sport. Russian gymnastic officials investigated the incident, stating that Al Bari was not prepared to perform the complex element he attempted. Vasily Titov, vice president of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, emphasized that all circumstances surrounding the injury had been examined. He noted, “Unfortunately, the athlete was not ready to perform such a complex element.” The specific stunt Al Bari was executing remains undisclosed.