Danish Iftikhar Relieved To Have Defended SUKMA Sprint Title

SERDANG, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- National sprinter Danish Iftikhar Muhammad Roslee expressed relief at having defended his men’s 100 metres (m) title at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) here today.

Danish, who is representing Johor at the Games, admitted that the pressure was far greater compared to his debut at the Sarawak SUKMA two years ago when he was still a relatively unknown. 

“The previous edition was special because the participants were among the top ranked in Malaysia. At (my) first SUKMA, I was the underdog and I made it.

“This time the pressure is greater, but I managed to handle it. I’m also thankful to all the finalists because they gave their best,” he said after the final at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sports Centre, adding that he had to remain composed after there was a false start.

“After the false start, I did my best to compose myself. I think there was really no room for error in this competition,” he said, adding that he aims to challenge Khairul Hafiz Jantan’s SUKMA record of 10.18 s before he exceeds the age limit for the Games.

“Khairul Hafiz is my senior and he set the SUKMA record in 2016 in Sarawak. I am to break that record before I’m 21. I still have one more SUKMA, so if given the chance, I’ll do my best whether it’s at the next SUKMA or the next championship,” the 19-year-old said.

Danish won today’s gold with a season best time of 10.27 seconds (s), while Kedah took the silver and bronze through Muhammad Umaira Subri (10.31 s) and Muhammad Dzul Danish Jamari (10.37 s) respectively.

He will compete in tomorrow’s men’s 4x100 m relay and the men’s 200 m on Tuesday.

-- BERNAMA