Azeem's Asian Games medal hopes bright after U23 gold

Malaysian sprinter Muhammad Azeem Fahmi has boosted his chances of winning a medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a gold medal victory at the Asian U23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China. Azeem secured the 100-meter title with a time of 10.17 seconds.

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If the 10.17s time is consistent at the Asian Games, Azeem can at least reach the podium. However, it must be remembered that there are many great runners at the event.

While the victory is a significant achievement, Azeem's performance was notably slower than his personal best this season. He clocked 10.09 seconds in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships in Oregon in May, a time that matches his national record. This suggests there is room for improvement as he prepares for the more competitive Asian Games.

Local sports observers, such as Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli, emphasize that Azeem needs to intensify his efforts for the 2026 Asian Games, where the competition will be considerably stiffer. "If the 10.17s time is consistent at the Asian Games, Azeem can at least reach the podium. However, it must be remembered that there are many great runners at the event," Pekan noted. He advised Azeem against complacency, urging him to "double his efforts towards the Asian Games."

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Azeem cannot be complacent with his current position; instead, he needs to double his efforts towards the Asian Games.

Azeem, who won a bronze medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, is considered the main hope for Malaysia in the blue-riband event. Pekan hopes Azeem can achieve success on the highest stages, both in Asia and Southeast Asia. "He needs to consistently win at the Asian or ASEAN level. He needs to be consistent in running below 10.20s because that's how he can bring home medals for the country," Pekan added. Currently, Azeem is seen as being on the right track toward achieving these goals.

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He needs to be consistent in running below 10.20s because that's how he can bring home medals for the country.