Deaflympics 2025: Azlan Shows Size Doesn't Matter As He Checks Into 1,5000-metre Final

TOKYO, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Azlan Kuste may be just 158 centimetres (cm) tall, but that did not stop him from outrunning his taller and bigger rivals en route to checking into the men's 1,500-metre final at the Deaflympics 2025 at the Komazawa Metropolitan Stadium here today.

The Sabah runner clocked 4:14.69 seconds (s) to finish among the top six in Heat 2 of the first round, thus improving on his personal record of 4:16.00s set at the Rs Kinabalu Athletic League 2025 in February.

"Yes, the others were tall, but what's important is that I have put in the hard yards in training. Though they are bigger, I still made the final. I did the best I could,” he said through a sign language interpreter.

He also explained that he stuck to the game plan drawn up by the coaches, including staying with the leading pack before going for broke at the final lap.

In Heat 2 of the first round, Iraq's Al-Jubainawi Aws Mohammed finished first in 4:10.76s, followed by Kenyan Koech John Kiplangat (4:12.37s) and Deaf Individual Neutral Athlete Charniak Aliaksandr (4:13.67s).

Azlan also thanked his parents and all those who have been his pillar of strength for always motivating him.

"I feel that I could win a medal in tomorrow's final. I just have to go flat out for the country. So, don't forget to support me always as I will continue to give everything I have to bring glory to Malaysia,” he added.

Meanwhile, head coach Amiluddin Mohd Amin was delighted with Azlan for handling the pressure well and adapting to the weather conditions.

"Azlan is very determined to prove himself on his Deaflympics debut,” he said.

-- BERNAMA