If Azeem skips, Aiman’s on the blocks

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) 100m sprint champion Aiman Ikhwan Yahya (pic) has emerged as a potential replacement should national star Mohd Azeem Fahmi skip the Thailand SEA Games later this year.

The 18-year-old SMK Tunku Anum student blazed to a meet record of 10.40s, a time faster than the bronze medal mark at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games where Khairul Hafiz Jantan clocked 10.45s.

Aiman is now the third-fastest Malaysian this year, trailing only Azeem (10.20s) and Danish Iftikhar Mohd Roslee (10.32s).

National sprint coach Mohd Poad Kassim confirmed that Aiman is already in his plans for the Thailand SEA Games, but his inclusion will depend on his performance in the Malaysian Open in Kangar, Perlis, at the end of the month.

“Aiman is currently ranked third in Malaysia and if Azeem decides not to compete in Thailand, there is a chance for him to feature in the SEA Games.

“But it will all depend on the outcome of the Malaysian Open. Aiman will not be competing, so it is up to the other sprinters to clock better times than him.

“If someone manages to surpass his mark, then Aiman may be considered for the 4x100m relay instead,” said Poad.

Azeem had earlier hinted that he may skip the SEA Games in Thailand this December.

The 21-year-old wants to focus on completing his final year of studies at Auburn University while also fulfilling his commitments in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) indoor circuit.

However, nothing has been finalised yet as Azeem is set to hold discussions with his coach Ken Harnden and Malaysia Athletics before making a decision.