Azeem refuses to let injury derail his Asian Games campaign

NAGOYA: Sprinter Azeem Fahmi has vowed to keep competing at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite suffering an injury during the men's 100m final. The 22-year-old admitted that injury is every athlete's greatest fear, but remains optimistic about his future. "Everything happens for a reason," Azeem stated on social media, emphasizing his belief that no athlete wants to go through such a setback.

He added that while he has done everything possible to reach his current position, he trusts that God has a better plan in store. Injuries did force Azeem to slow down during the final, where he finished eighth in 14.65 seconds. The Malaysian athlete, who previously won bronze at the Hangzhou Games in 2023 with a time of 10.11 seconds, is set to return in the men's 4x100m relay on Sunday, followed by the mixed 4x100m relay on Monday.

However, his participation will depend on the progress of his injury and additional medical evaluations. Azeem expressed gratitude to his supporters and acknowledged those who may have doubted him. Meanwhile, Thailand's Puripol Boonson claimed the 100m gold with a Games-record time of 9.90 seconds. Oman's Ali Al Balushi took silver in 10.04 seconds, while his fellow countryman, Malham Al Balushi, secured bronze in 10.11 seconds.