Former footballer Shaikh wins first-ever athletics gold at Sukma

KUALA LUMPUR: Former footballer Shaikh Ahmad Fahmi achieved his first athletics gold medal at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) today. The 18-year-old, who made the switch to athletics from football in 2024, won the men's 800 metres event at Universiti Putra Malaysia Stadium in Serdang. Shaikh, representing Pahang, set a personal best time of 1:54.53 to defeat more experienced competitors, including Johor's M. Poven Kumar, who took silver, and Sabah's Alaziz Boy, who claimed bronze.

Despite his nerves, Shaikh maintained composure and focused on his performance to secure the victory. This gold medal marks a significant achievement in his young athletics career, which began only two years ago. In the women's 800m race, Johor's S. Geetha won gold, overcoming past injuries to secure a personal best time of 2:17.69. Sabah's Nur Syifa Raisha Adnan Firdaus took silver, while Johor's Rosnani Mahamad claimed bronze.