National sprint ace Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi has set his sights on returning from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a better achievement than the bronze medal he bagged at the previous edition in Hangzhou. 09 seconds, said his main objective is to get on the podium and improve on his 2023 achievement in Hangzhou as he looks ahead to making his second Asiad appearance. The 22-year-old sprinter expects a more open affair at the Asian Games, with several of Asia's leading contenders having clocked almost identical times this season.
He named Thailand's Puripol Boonson, Oman's Ali Anwar Ali Al-Balushi, and Japan's 2019 Asian champion Yoshihide Kiryu among the main contenders he must be wary of at the Asian Games. Muhammad Azeem said his preparations for the Asian Games are going smoothly, and he is in peak physical condition ahead of his participation in the Oman Grand Prix Athletics Championships in Muscat on Saturday. The winner of the 100m at the 2026 Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships also hopes to produce an encouraging time in Oman to boost his confidence ahead of the Sept 19-Oct 4 Asian Games.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Athletics Coaching Programme coordinator Mohd Manshahar Abd Jalil believes Muhammad Azeem has the ability to clock a sub-10-second time if he can hit his stride in Japan. 09s, which he set at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships in Kentucky, United States, in May. Muhammad Azeem's target is to get on the podium, but he hopes to achieve something better than bronze.
With his preparations going smoothly and being in peak physical condition, he is confident of making Malaysia proud at the Asian Games. The Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, and Muhammad Azeem is expected to be one of the key athletes representing Malaysia. His performance will be closely watched, and fans will be hoping he can bring home a better medal than his previous bronze.
As the Asian Games approach, Muhammad Azeem remains focused on his training and is determined to give his best performance. With the support of his coaches and teammates, he is ready to take on the challenge and make Malaysia proud.
