Azeem's Asian Games Campaign Hangs On Examination Results

From Muhammad Afiff Md Adnan

NAGOYA, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- National sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi is hoping to continue his campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games after muscle cramps forced him to finish eighth in the men's 100m final yesterday.

Azeem, who suffered the cramps during the race, is not yet considering withdrawing from his remaining events, opting instead to wait for further examination results.

The 22-year-old is scheduled to compete in the men's 4x100m, which begins tomorrow, and the mixed 4x100m next Monday.

"I'll undergo further examination and hope nothing is serious, so I can keep representing Malaysia at these Games," he said in an Instagram post.

In yesterday's 100m final, Azeem had to slow down due to cramps before finishing in 14.65 seconds (s).

Despite hobbling badly, the national record holder pushed on to the finish line before receiving treatment from the medical team.

Azeem won the bronze medal in the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games in 10.11s.

This time, the gold medal went to Thailand's Puripol Boonson, who set an Asian Games record of 9.90s, while Oman's Ali Al Balushi took silver in 10.04s and his compatriot Malham Al Balushi bronze in 10.11s.

"Everything happens for a reason. That's what I always hold on to. The most frightening thing in this sport is injury, and I believe no athlete wants to go through it.

"I've done everything I can to make sure I'm where I want to be, but God has a better plan," he said.

-- BERNAMA