Azeem out for five to six weeks to focus on rehab after groin injury

NATIONAL sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi will end his season early after confirming that he is carrying a groin injury, and will focus on rehabilitation ahead of the new season starting in March next year.

The 22-year-old from Teluk Intan slowed down just seconds into the 100m final at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on Friday, before collapsing on the track after crossing the line in 14.65s – the slowest finish in the field.

Azeem missed the men’s 4x100m relay qualification but found the courage to run in the 4x100m mixed team relay on Monday. He gave Malaysia a strong start on the first leg, handing over to Izzatul Musfirah Kamal Azira in second place.

However, the other teams picked up speed, and Pengiran Aidil Auf Hajam and Nurul Aishah Rofina Aling could not close the gap.

Malaysia finished sixth in heat one in 42.64s, which was not enough to reach the final. Thailand won the heat in 41.48s, followed by Singapore (41.66s) and Japan (41.70s).

After the race, Azeem revealed his diagnosis.

“The assessment and check-up by the National Sports Institute have confirmed that I have a groin injury. I would say it is one of the worst injuries I have had in a while,” he said.

‘’I could rest for five to six weeks, with focus on treatment and, most importantly, rehabilitation. I want to use this opportunity to thank every Malaysian who has prayed for me. Not just me, but every athlete here. I’m so grateful for every single one of you, who still believe in me, who are supporting me.

“This is not the end. I know there are some out there who are doubtful of my potential, but I did back-to-back finals in the Asian Games and I am still young, just 22, with a lot more to achieve in the future.

‘’I will use the strength, support and motivation from those around me to bounce back.”

He said he took part in the mixed team relay to lift the spirits of the sprint team.

“I gave whatever was left in the tank for this team, but still, luck was not on our side. I can’t be mad because I know every single one of us gave our best,’’ added Azeem who won a bronze in the 100m in a time of 10.11s at the previous Asiad in Hangzhou.

He holds the national 100m record of 10.09s, set at the World Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, four years ago.