KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- 2017 SEA Games 100m champion Khairul Hafiz Jantan has hinted at retiring if he fails to qualify for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, scheduled to take place from Dec 7–19.
Khairul Hafiz, who has often been plagued by injuries, said he would focus on qualifying for the biennial event through the Malaysian Open this year.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself or set high expectations to represent the country at the SEA Games because I understand my physical condition.
“If I can’t make it to the SEA Games, I’ll retire on a good note. By then, I’ll be ready - I’ve been competing in athletics for 10 years, and it’s time for the juniors to step up and represent Malaysia,” he said.
He made these remarks in a 64-second video uploaded to the Malaysia Athletics Federation's YouTube channel today.
Khairul Hafiz, also known as "The Speedy Jantan", burst into regional prominence after clinching the blue-riband event at the 2017 SEA Games at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The 26-year-old clocked 10.38 seconds, beating defending champion Eric Cray of the Philippines (10.43s) and Thailand's Kritsada Nasuwun, who took bronze with a time of 10.43s.
-- BERNAMA
