A promising young gymnast on the cusp of global recognition has died following a catastrophic training injury overseas.

Indonesian gymnast Naufal Takdir Al Bari, 19, died on Sept. 25 in Russia after spending nearly two weeks in intensive care following a fall during high bar training, as People reports.

Bari, who was widely viewed as an emerging star in international gymnastics, had traveled to Penza, Russia, to prepare for the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The event was scheduled to take place in his home country of Indonesia in October, and it was expected to be a pivotal step on his path toward qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

According to statements from both the Indonesian and Russian Gymnastics Federations, the incident happened during a training session involving the high bar apparatus. Bari reportedly fell into a foam pit but landed incorrectly, resulting in a serious neck injury.

Training leads to deadly accident

The fall occurred during a challenging routine, although officials have not disclosed the specific maneuver he was attempting. What is known is that the fall left Bari with grave injuries that would ultimately prove fatal. He was immediately transported to GA Zakharyin Hospital in Penza, where he remained in intensive care for 12 days.

Tragically, despite emergency medical care, Bari passed away on Thursday. He was only 19 years old. His death was confirmed by the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation via a public message posted to their official Instagram account that same day.

“The 19-year-old gymnast breathed his last after undergoing intensive care for 12 days,” the organization wrote in the caption. The federation’s Instagram post expressed both grief and reverence, calling Bari a loss to the sport and to Indonesia.

Reactions pour in

Ita Yuliati, the Chairperson of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation, also released a statement mourning the athlete’s death. “Naufal was a talented young athlete and a good figure,” she said.

“Indonesian Gymnastics has lost the nation's best,” Yuliati continued. “This is a deep blow and sorrow for us. May the family be given strength.” Her words underscored the emotional impact of Bari’s death not just on the sports community but also on the nation as a whole.

The Vice President of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, Vasily Titov, confirmed that authorities carried out a full investigation into the incident. According to Titov, the organization has concluded that Bari was not yet equipped to successfully execute the high-difficulty movement that ended in the accident.

Investigation underway

“We conducted the necessary investigation, and all the circumstances surrounding the injury have been established,” Titov said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the athlete was not prepared to perform such a complex element.”

Officials at both the Indonesian and Russian Gymnastics Federations have refrained from naming the skill or maneuver involved in the fall. As of Saturday, Sept. 27, neither organization has responded to additional questions from media outlets, including People.

Bari's training in Russia was part of an intensive program designed to bring him to international readiness. Coaches and sports officials acknowledged before the incident that he was “highly projected” for Olympic qualification, an indication of the confidence in Bari’s growth and performance trajectory.

Lessons to learn

1. Athlete preparedness must match skill difficulty: Bari's tragic fall occurred reportedly during a complex maneuver he was reportedly not ready to perform. Athletes, coaches, and trainers must always align a gymnast’s current readiness with the difficulty of skills attempted to avoid catastrophic injury.

2. Infrastructure and safety protocols require constant evaluation: While foam pits and hospitals were reportedly used in this case, severe injury still occurred. Organizations should continuously audit equipment safety, supervision structures, and medical emergency readiness in high-risk sports.

3. Grief should not translate into blame: It’s crucial to remember that accidents can happen even in the most professionally managed environments. While we can learn from tragedies, victim-blaming must be strictly avoided. No one involved intended harm, and all parties deserve compassion as they grieve.

Why this story matters

This story is significant because it speaks to the risks that elite athletes, especially young ones, take in pursuit of excellence. It also raises important conversations about safety, oversight, and long-term athlete development.

Communities invested in youth and sports must treat this as both a moment of mourning and an opportunity for systemic reflection.