Al Jufferi who was the 2016 world champion and 2017 SEA Games gold medalist lost to Indonesian exponent Komang Harik Adi Putra after withdrawing from the remaining two seconds of the match.

He made the move after alleging the final, which was witnessed by thousands of local spectators, was marred by the jury’s biased decisions.

“I should have won the fight. It was unfair and I am not blaming anyone or my opponent as the problem was with the jury.

“It was an unfair match and that is why I left the ring. As Sportsman of the Year, I am disappointed and I cannot accept the decision. I respect all parties but I cannot respect the jury,” he told Malaysian media after the medal presentation ceremony here today.

Commenting further, he said if pencak silat continued to be plagued by such incidents, it may lead to it being removed in future Asian Games.

“I know China (2022 Asian Games host) is interested to list the sport in the next championship but such controversies may leave a negative impact on the sport. I withdrew because I want them (China) to see how pencak silat is being played out,” he added.

In the final, Al Jufferi began slowly when he trailed 1-4 in the first round but bounced back to lead 3-2 at the end of the second round.

However, the controversy began when the strikes and kicks by Al Jufferi were not counted while points were awarded to the host exponent causing Al Jufferi to walk out of the ring.