Azeem Plans To Remain In Malaysia After Us Stint

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- National sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi has indicated that he intends to remain in Malaysia to continue his athletics career after recently completing his studies at Auburn University in the United States.

The national 100-metre record holder, who clocked 10.09 seconds, said he has no immediate plans to return to the United States and instead wants to spend more time with his family after four years abroad.

“Right now, my focus is on my family because I have been away from them for a long time.

“I want to spend more quality time with them. At the moment, I have no plans to return overseas as I believe the people closest to me, including my family, parents, siblings, coaches and friends, have played the biggest role in helping me reach where I am today,” he told reporters yesterday.

Azeem said he would continue training under a programme designed by his American coach, Ken Harnden, while day-to-day supervision would be handled by local coach Muhammad Amir Izwan Tan Abdullah.

The 22-year-old athlete also revealed plans to pursue a master’s degree, although he intends to focus on athletics first.

“God willing, I plan to further my studies and pursue a master’s degree. However, I want to take a few months’ break and focus 100 per cent on sports first,” he said.

-- BERNAMA