Putrajaya: National 100-metre sprint ace Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi has devised a three-step strategy to secure a podium finish and bring glory to Malaysia at the World University Games (WUG) 2025, scheduled to be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16-27.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Azeem’s plan aims to surpass his season’s best time of 10.20 seconds, qualify for the final, and clinch a medal. However, he acknowledges the formidable competition from elite sprinters, including Thailand’s Puripol Boonson, whom he has faced at the NCAA championships in the US. Despite the challenges, the Auburn University student is determined to excel in his first WUG appearance.

Muhammad Azeem, holder of the national 100m record at 10.09 seconds, shared these insights during a ceremony in Putrajaya, where the Jalur Gemilang was handed over to the WUG 2025 contingent. In addition to the 100m event, he will compete in the men’s 200m and 4x100m relay, alongside teammates Aliff Iman Mohd Fahimi, Mohamad Raimi Mustaffa Kamal, Mohammad Thaqif Mohammad Hisham, and Pengirin Aidil Auf Hajam.

The 21-year-old sprinter, who won a bronze medal in the 100m event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, expressed confidence in his preparations and emphasized focusing on the race without setting high expectations. He also regards his selection as Malaysia’s flagbearer for WUG 2025 as a significant honor and motivation to perform at his best.

The Malaysian contingent, comprising 64 athletes-39 men and 25 women-aims to secure seven medals across six sports: artistic gymnastics, badminton, archery, athletics, swimming, and taekwondo. In the 2023 edition held in Chengdu, China, Malaysia achieved its best performance, securing one gold, one silver, and five bronze medals.