{
  "id": 11154206,
  "title": "Azeem hits back at claims questioning Asian Games injury",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/azeem-hits-back-at-claims-questioning-asian-games-injury",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T08:59:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/10/1545516/azeem-hits-back-claims-questioning-asian-games-injury"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "National sprinter Azeem Fahmi has responded to criticisms questioning the validity of the injury that forced him to withdraw from the men's 100m final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The 22-year-old Perak-born athlete admitted to experiencing groin pain before the race, using support tape from the initial rounds, and worsening the issue during his warm-up. Despite doctors and physiotherapists diagnosing a partial tear to his adductor muscle, the athlete chose to compete in the mixed 4x100m relay after the men's team failed to advance. Azeem emphasized that his decision was based on his responsibility to lead the team and demonstrate the spirit he brings to representing his country. He expressed anger over the accusations, stating that they hurt his credibility and right to represent his nation. Azeem further rejected suggestions that he competed in the mixed relay for attention or to avoid the men's relay, explaining that he ran due to the team's hard work in preparation. He also addressed concerns about athletes being treated unjustly when results don't align with their expectations, asserting that while performances can be questioned for transparency, one's commitment to representing their country should never be doubted.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: “I didn’t run to be a hero.”",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 9,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "India to face Pakistan for Asian Games T20 gold medal, thumps Sri Lanka in semis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/india-to-face-pakistan-for-asian-games-t20-gold-medal-thumps-sri",
        "published": "2026-10-01T07:02:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "Asian Games 2026: Team India Thrash Sri Lanka By 124 Runs In Semi-Final, Set Up For Blockbuster Gold-Medal Clash Against Pakistan",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/asian-games-2026-team-india-thrash-sri-lanka-by-124-runs-in-semi",
        "published": "2026-10-01T07:04:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "India will face Pakistan in Asian Games for the first time ever",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/india-will-face-pakistan-in-asian-games-for-the-first-time-ever",
        "published": "2026-10-01T07:25:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "UAE win three Asian Games gold medals in jiu-jitsu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/uae-win-three-asian-games-gold-medals-in-jiu-jitsu",
        "published": "2026-10-01T08:18:10.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Sivasangari leads Malaysia into Asian Games squash final",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/sivasangari-leads-malaysia-into-asian-games-squash-final",
        "published": "2026-10-01T08:32:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Khaosod English",
        "title": "Thailand’s Kasidit loses to top seed Wong in Asian Games quarters",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/thailands-kasidit-loses-to-top-seed-wong-in-asian-games-quarters",
        "published": "2026-10-01T08:38:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Azizulhasni adds Asian Games bronze to Malaysia’s cycling haul, turns focus to keirin",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/azizulhasni-adds-asian-games-bronze-to-malaysias-cycling-haul-turns",
        "published": "2026-10-01T09:03:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "SAR cyclist bags another silver at the Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/sar-cyclist-bags-another-silver-at-the-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-10-01T09:49:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}