Kuala Lumpur: 2017 SEA Games 100m champion Khairul Hafiz Jantan has hinted at retiring if he fails to qualify for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, scheduled to take place from December 7-19. Khairul Hafiz, who has often been plagued by injuries, stated that he would focus on qualifying for the biennial event through the Malaysian Open this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khairul Hafiz expressed his realistic approach towards his athletic career, acknowledging his physical condition. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself or set high expectations to represent the country at the SEA Games because I understand my physical condition,” he remarked. He added that if he is unable to qualify for the SEA Games, he would retire on a positive note, feeling ready after a decade in athletics and making way for younger athletes to represent Malaysia.

The athlete shared these thoughts in a brief video uploaded to the Malaysia Athletics Federation’s YouTube channel. Known as “The Speedy Jantan,” Khairul Hafiz gained regional fame after winning the prestigious 100m event at the 2017 SEA Games held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

At the age of 26, Khairul Hafiz clocked a time of 10.38 seconds, surpassing the defending champion, Eric Cray of the Philippines, who finished at 10.43 seconds, and Thailand’s Kritsada Nasuwun, who secured the bronze with the same time of 10.43 seconds.