Hakimi confident of defending SEA Games triple-jump gold

KUALA LUMPUR: SEA Games triple-jump record holder Muhammad Hakimi Ismail seems more confident than ever of defending the gold medal at the biennial Games which will take place here from August 19 to 30.

After struggling with injuries since his record leap of 16.76m at the SEA Games in Singapore two years ago, he is now approaching his peak performance level.

“Indeed, I suffered multiple injuries after the Singapore SEA Games, but from there I learned a lot about injuries and recovery methods. Right now my performance is back on top and I understand my body and muscles better.

“So, I’m sure I can defend the gold medal. The competition is a bit fierce this time, but it makes me want to challenge myself to improve my record,” he said during the Kita Juara programme press conference at the National Sports Council here yesterday.

Muhammad Hakimi became a national hero when he ended Malaysia’s 18-year drought to win a gold medal in the category with the record jump at the Singapore National Stadium.

The last time Malaysia won gold for the event was at the 1997 SEA Games in Indonesia through Mohd Zaki Sadri with a 16.05mjump.

Based on his current performance, the 26-year-old is currently ranked second in the Southeast Asian region behind the Philippine’s Mark Harry Diones.

His best jump for the year was 16.45m in Almaty, Kazakhstan in June, while Mark broke his national record with a jump of 16.70m in early April.

Meanwhile, national athletics head coach Zainal Abas said young female athletes Noor Shahidatun Nadia Mohammad Zuki, 21, and R. Kirthana, 20, will each take part in both the long jump and triple jump events. – Bernama