Azeem refuses to let injury derail his Asian Games campaign

NAGOYA: Sprinter Azeem Fahmi, who suffered an injury during the men's 100m final on Friday, is determined to continue competing at the Aichi-Nagoya Asia Games.

Azeem admitted that injury is every athlete's biggest fear but believes it does not mark the end of his journey.

"Everything happens for a reason. That is something I always hold on to. The scariest thing in sport is injury and I believe no athlete wants to go through it," said Azeem on social media on Saturday.

"I have done everything I could to make sure I was where I wanted to be, but God has a better plan."

Azeem was forced to slow down during the final after pulling a muscle before crossing the finish line in eighth place in 14.65 seconds.

The 22-year-old had previously won bronze for Malaysia at the Hangzhou Games in 2023 after clocking 10.11s.

Azeem is scheduled to return to action in the men's 4x100m relay, which begins on Sunday, followed by the mixed 4x100m relay on Monday.

However, his participation will depend on the condition of his injury and further medical assessment.

"I will undergo further examinations and hope there is nothing serious so that I can continue representing Malaysia at these Games," he said.

"To those who have supported me, I love you all. To those who have doubted me, thank you."

Thailand's Puripol Boonson won the 100m gold in a Games record of 9.90s - the second time he renewed it on Friday - while Oman's Ali Al Balushi took silver in 10.04s. The latter's compatriot, Malham Al Balushi claimed bronze in 10.11s.