{
  "id": 7731214,
  "title": "Sub-10s timing unrealistic for Azeem at Asian Games, says sprint coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/sub-10s-timing-unrealistic-for-azeem-at-asian-games-says-sprint-coach",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T07:24:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/09/1534058/sub-10s-timing-unrealistic-azeem-asian-games-says-sprint-coach"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Azeem Fahmi's national sprint head coach Thabo Matebedi has expressed skepticism about his charge achieving a sub-10-second time at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. While Matebedi believes the Malaysian sprinter is well-positioned to defend his bronze medal from the Hangzhou Asian Games, he asserts that attaining a sub-10-second time remains unrealistic at present.\n\nMatebedi praised Azeem's physical form in training, rating it as \"10 out of 10\". However, he noted that mentally, Azeem may not be quite ready for the intense pressure of the competition. The coach explained that Azeem's new coach, Ken Harnden, has brought a different training system from America, making it challenging to merge the previous and current methods without risking injury.\n\nDespite the physical progress, Matebedi emphasized the importance of mental preparation in the Asian Games, stating that the difference between a good athlete and a great one lies in the mindset. He cautioned against placing undue pressure on Azeem before the Games, suggesting that a potential national record break could be targeted after the event.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: National sprint head coach Thabo Matebedi believes Azeem Fahmi is on course to defend his men’s 100m bronze medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, although he feels a sub-10-second timing remains beyond the Malaysian sprinter for now.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Island Sri Lanka",
        "title": "MAS Holdings, official clothing sponsor of Sri Lanka team at Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/mas-holdings-official-clothing-sponsor-of-sri-lanka-team-at-aichi",
        "published": "2026-09-15T23:59:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Saudi U-21 football team continues training in Japan for Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/saudi-u-21-football-team-continues-training-in-japan-for-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-09-16T01:46:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "(Asiad) Football team delayed by bus mix-up at Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/asiad-football-team-delayed-by-bus-mix-up-at-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-09-16T04:40:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Indian athletes get no breakfast after arriving for 2026 Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/indian-athletes-get-no-breakfast-after-arriving-for-2026-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-09-16T04:59:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Zainichi Korean football player Ri Song-a under spotlight at 2026 Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/zainichi-korean-football-player-ri-song-a-under-spotlight-at-2026",
        "published": "2026-09-16T07:22:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}