Kuala Lumpur:National track athlete Muhammad Haziq Mohamad Akhir is determined to become Malaysia's leading sprinter following his debut at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The 23-year-old plans to elevate his performance over the next two to three years to compete for the top spot in the country in the 100m and 200m events.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Haziq has expressed his ambition to surpass Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi's record. After competing in the men's 200m semi-finals, he shared his aspiration to be recognized as Malaysia's number one in both sprinting distances.

During his first Asian Games, Haziq gained valuable insights from racing against Thailand's Puripol Boonson, the record holder for the event. He noted Puripol's discipline, which involved being constantly supported by coaches and staff, as a key to his success.

Haziq admitted feeling nervous before facing Puripol but maintained that he did not let fear affect his confidence. He emphasized the importance of not showing fear and demonstrated determination by reaching the semi-finals.

Additionally, Haziq is listed as a reserve for Malaysia's men's 4x100m relay team, ready to contribute if selected. He expressed confidence in his team and their collective goal of breaking the national record, highlighting the focus on teamwork over individual achievements.