KUALA LUMPUR: National athlete Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi is now the Malaysia Games (Sukma) sprint king after emerging as men's 100-metre (m) champion today.
In the final of the blue riband event at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, the 18-year-old from Perak completed the race in 10.25 seconds (s).
National athletes dominated the event when Johor's Muhammad Arsyad Md Saat (10.46s) and Negeri Sembilan's Muhammad Haiqal Hanafi (10.50s) completed the podium.
Muhammad Azeem was thrilled to have presented Perak with the 100m gold medal, although he still has two more events to go - the 4x100m tomorrow (Sept 17) and 200m on Sunday (Sept 18).
"This is my second Sukma outing after I finished eighth and last at the 2018 edition in Perak. So, this year I've come back to take what's mine... that's all.
"I still have time for recovery. I aim to dip below 21 seconds in the 200m and maybe even clock my personal best (by bettering his previous best of 20.83s). But I need to be wary of the other challengers, especially Arsyad and Haiqal," said Muhammad Azeem, who advanced to the 100m final after winning Heat Two of the semi-finals in 10.33s.
He also confirmed that Sukma would be the last time he competes in the 100m event for this year, although he will still run in the 200m event at the Athletics Challenge in Japan in early October.
Muhammad Azeem was dubbed the "Malaysian Usain Bolt" after he broke the national men's 100m record by clocking 10.09s at the Under-20 World Athletics Championships in Cali, Colombia recently to erase the old mark of 10.18s set by former Southeast Asia sprint champion Khairul Hafiz Jantan at the Sarawak Sukma in 2016.
Meanwhile, Nor Sarah Adi of Pahang emerged as the Sukma sprint queen when she clocked 11.91s to just miss out on the meet record of 11.81s that was set by Azreen Nabila Alias of Terengganu at the 2018 edition in Perak.
Sabah's Sabah Nur Aishah Rofina Aling (12.08s) and Selangor's Nur Afrina Batrisyia Mohamad Rizal (12.10s) came in second and third respectively.
"Although I did not improve on my personal best (11.89s) or break the Sukma record, I am happy and thankful that I managed to stay consistent by clocking below 12 seconds. After yesterday's semi-finals, I felt that there were several aspects that I needed to improve on, including my start, as well as the need for me to stay cool and not try too hard," she said.
Nor Sarah, who won the pole vault gold medal at the Hanoi SEA Games in Vietnam in May, said she would continue to focus on pole vault in a bid to defend the gold at the SEA Games and qualify for the Asiad.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Sep 16 2022
National athlete Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi is now the Malaysia Games (Sukma) sprint king after emerging as men's 100-metre (m) champion today. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.