KUALA LUMPUR: National 100-metre (m) sprint ace Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi has worked out a three-step plan to make Malaysia proud at the World University Games (WUG) 2025, which will be held at the Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16-27.
So, what’s the plan? It’s as easy as 1: obliterate his season’s best mark of 10.20 seconds (s); 2: qualify for the final; and 3: win a medal.
Of course, that’s easier said than done, no thanks to the presence of some of the world’s best sprinters.
“This (WUG) is also a world-class event, it will be a tough fight… Puripol (Boonson) of Thailand and many others, whom I had raced against at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in the US, will also be there (in Germany).
“So, my mentality heading to my maiden appearance in the WUG is surely to do my best. My season’s best is 10.20s, my target is always to better that, qualify for the final, and win a medal for Malaysia,” said the Auburn University student.
Muhammad Azeem, who holds the national 100m record of 10.09s, told reporters this at a ceremony to hand over the Jalur Gemilang to the WUG 2025 contingent in Putrajaya yesterday.
In Germany, the sprinter, who hails from Teluk Intan, Perak, will also compete in the men’s 200m and 4x100m relay, which will also comprise Aliff Iman Mohd Fahimi, Mohamad Raimi Mustaffa Kamal, Mohammad Thaqif Mohammad Hisham and Pengirin Aidil Auf Hajam.
“My preparations are going well, and I don’t have any high expectations. I just want to focus on the race and give it my best,” said the 21-year-old, who won a bronze medal in the 100m event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. – BERNAMA
