Sprinter Muhammad Azeem's Three-step Plan For Podium Finish At WUG 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- National 100-metre (m) sprint ace Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi has worked out a three-step plan to make Malaysia proud at the World University Games (WUG) 2025, which will be held at the Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16-27.

So, what's the plan? It's as easy as 1: obliterate his season's best mark of 10.20 seconds (s); 2: qualify for the final; and 3: win a medal.

Of course, that's easier said than done, no thanks to the presence of some of the world's best sprinters.

"This (WUG) is also a world-class event, it will be a tough fight… Puripol (Boonson) of Thailand and many others, whom I had raced against at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in the US, will also be there (in Germany).

"So, my mentality heading to my maiden appearance in the WUG is surely to do my best. My season's best is 10.20s, my target is always to better that, qualify for the final, and win a medal for Malaysia,” said the Auburn University student.

Muhammad Azeem, who holds the national 100m record of 10.09s, told reporters this at a ceremony to hand over the Jalur Gemilang to the WUG 2025 contingent in Putrajaya yesterday.

In Germany, the sprinter, who hails from Teluk Intan, Perak, will also compete in the men's 200m and 4x100m relay, which will also comprise Aliff Iman Mohd Fahimi, Mohamad Raimi Mustaffa Kamal, Mohammad Thaqif Mohammad Hisham and Pengirin Aidil Auf Hajam.

"My preparations are going well, and I don't have any high expectations. I just want to focus on the race and give it my best,” said the 21-year-old, who won a bronze medal in the 100m event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Meanwhile, he described his selection as the country's flagbearer at the WUG 2025 as a huge honour.

"This will boost my spirit and motivate me to give my all… this is the first time I have been given the mandate to be the flagbearer at a championships, which is also a very good starting point in my career,” he said.

The 64-athlete Malaysian contingent, comprising 39 men and 25 women, are eyeing seven medals when they compete in six of the 19 sports at the WUG 2025.

The six sports are artistic gymnastics, badminton, archery, athletics, swimming and taekwondo.

At the 2023 edition in Chengdu, China, Malaysia produced their best achievement by bagging one gold, one silver and five bronze medals.

-- BERNAMA