19-06-2025
Khairul Hafiz hints at withdrawing from SEA Games 100m to focus on relay squad
He said this decision would make way for younger sprinters and allow him to focus entirely on Malaysia's 4x100m relay squad.
Khairul Hafiz - File photo
SHAH ALAM - Former Southeast Asian sprint champion, Khairul Hafiz Jantan has hinted that he may withdraw from the men's 100 metres event at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
He said this decision would make way for younger sprinters and allow him to focus entirely on Malaysia's 4x100m relay squad.
The 27-year-old sprinter is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a left hamstring injury sustained during the Asian Athletics Championships (ATF) in South Korea recently.
'I might not compete in the individual 100m. Let the younger runners take that spot. My only focus now is to help the relay team,' he said.
Scans conducted at the National Sports Institute (ISN) revealed a 2.35-centimetre muscle tear.
He is currently undergoing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment to accelerate recovery.
Khairul, also known as The Speedy Jantan, remains optimistic.
He is targeting a return at the Malaysian Open Championships this August, which will also serve as the national selection trial for the SEA Games.
'If I can clock between 10.49 and 10.5 seconds, that would be good enough to help the national relay squad. I hope to fully recover in time for August,' he said.
The 4x100m relay squad is expected to be one of Malaysia's key hopes for a medal at the regional sporting event.
