KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Athletics (MA) won’t frown if Malaysia’s fastest man,
Azeem Fahmi skips the Thailand Sea Games from Dec 9-20.
National chief coach Manshahar Abdul Jalil said they understand Azeem’s situation.
“I was told that Azeem will be sitting for his final semester examination during the Sea Games.
“Although we have not received the dates for the Sea Games athletics event, we don’t want to distract him.
“We will consult Azeem’s coach Ken Harnden before making a decision.
“We want to be fair to Azeem,” said Manshahar.
The 21-year-old Auburn University student, who returned from the World University Games in Germany on Wednesday, said that he was “50-50 ” competing in the Sea Games.
The Asian Games 100m bronze medallist said that he needs to consult American Harnden about the Sea Games.
“December is off-season in the United States. If I compete in the Sea Games, then I will not have an off- season.
“Competing in the Sea Games will also affect my plans for 2026 as there are prestigious competitions like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
“Any decisions will not just depend on personal opinion, but will be made jointly with the coach, NSC and MA,” said Azeem, who holds the national 100m record of 10.09 set in 2022.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
