Sprinter Khairul to go all out for a place in SEA Games squad

Decisive year: Khairul Hafiz Jantan (right) will compete in the Selangor Open next month, his second meet after returning from rehabilitation.

PETALING JAYA: National sprinter Khairul Hafiz Jantan knows 2025 will be an important year for him as an athlete, as he looks to get a spot in the SEA Games squad.

The year 2024 was something that he wishes to forget as he was out of action for six months due to an abdomen injury, and only returned in October.

The 26-year-old competed in the Sarawak Open, finishing second with a time of 10.57s in November.

After that competition, Khairul focused on rehabilitation and working on his body mechanics, and will kick off the season by competing in the Selangor Open, which is the first competition of the Super Series on Feb 14.

Khairul did say that if he doesn’t get to the SEA Games this year, he will consider retirement from the sport, and it is a thought he has been entertaining since the abdomen injury happened.

“I am feeling much better after the injury. I am doing my usual training routine, which I believe could help recover my speed in the 100m,” said Khairul, who has a personal best of 10.18s, which he recorded in 2016.

“Last year was filled with injuries, one that had a lot of gym and rehabilitation work.

“This year’s plan, is the SEA Games year.

“I am not going to put too much pressure on myself. Knowing myself, I just want to bide my time and see whether it brings me to the games or not.

“Sarawak Open is to kickstart my season but the true test would be the Malaysian Open, to assess where I am at. If that does not work, I will come up with a plan by trying out in other competitions.”

When asked about retirement, Khairul said he has been thinking about it but now that he has started full training, he will focus on doing well on the track and ensuring that he represents Malaysia in Thailand from Dec 7 to 19.

“I’m not going to vanish just like that. If I do not get to the SEA Games, I will sit down, have a proper think and then retire properly.

“If that time (retirement) comes, I am ready. I have competed in athletics for 10 years now, so, it is time for me to allow the juniors to come up and represent Malaysia one day.”