Azeem tells doubters 'I did it' as Puripol comparisons continue

NAGOYA: Azeem Fahmi remains unfazed by criticism from some netizens who have questioned his potential after comparisons with Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson.

For Azeem, his career is still in its early stages and, at just 22, he believes he has plenty of time to prove his ability on the international stage.

Azeem said he appreciates the support from fans who continue to stand behind him, but acknowledged that some have begun questioning his ability after Puripol sparked a sensation by being crowned Asia's sprint king at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

"I know there may still be many people out there who doubt my potential, but hey, I did it. Back-to-back Asian Games final.

"I'm still young, just 22. There are many more things I can achieve in the future. I will use the strength, support and motivation from those around me to come back stronger and better," he said.

Comparisons between Azeem and 20-year-old Puripol began after the Thai sprinter won the men's 100m and 200m titles at Aichi-Nagoya, breaking the Games records in both events.

Puripol also made history as the first Southeast Asian sprinter to break the 10-second barrier when he clocked 9.94 seconds at the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games.

Azeem, meanwhile, remains at a personal best of 10.09s, which is also the national record.Azeem stressed that his immediate focus is on making a full recovery after suffering an injury during the men's 100m final last Friday.

The Perak-born sprinter revealed that he suffered a groin injury and will require between five and six weeks to recover.

"I can say that this is one of the worst injuries I have suffered in recent times. I am expected to be out for five to six weeks, mainly to focus on treatment and the recovery process," he said.

Azeem completed the 100m final despite his injury but was later ruled out of the national men's 4x100m quartet, who were eliminated in the first round.

He returned to action in the mixed 4x100m relay alongside Izzatul Musfirah Ahmad Kamal Azira, Pengiran Aidil Auf Hajam and Nur Aishah Rofina Aling on Monday.

However, the quartet failed to reach the final after finishing sixth in the first heat in 42.64 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

For Azeem, his experience at Aichi-Nagoya remains deeply meaningful after he reached the Asian Games final for the second consecutive edition.

"I want to thank all Malaysians who continue to pray for me. Not just for me, but for all Malaysian athletes competing and carrying the nation's name at the Asian Games this time.

"This is not the end. I will come back stronger," said Azeem, who won the bronze medal in the 100m at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.