Khairul rediscovering his rhythm ahead of Asian Games

KUALA LUMPUR: National sprinter Khairul Hafiz Jantan is getting back his speed and rhythm for next month’s Asian Games in Jakarta.

The Melaka athlete, who turned 20 on July 22, clocked a season-best of 10.28 seconds to win the men’s 100m in the Besigheimer National Athletics Championships in Germany on Wednesday.

It was the third fastest time of his career since he set the national record of 10.18 at the Sarawak Sukma in Kuching two years ago.

In the Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, India, last year, Khairul clocked 10.24 in the semi-finals.

Since then, Khairul, who is the fastest man in the South East Asian region, has not managed to dip below 10.30 in a competition.

Khairul, who is in Germany for training-cum-competitions since last month, was delighted with his efforts.

“I was struggling to clock a good time in competitions but I am glad that I finally managed to dip below 10.30, said Khairul, who will be making his debut in the Asian Games.

“This is a morale booster ahead of the Asian Games. My mission in Germany was to equal my national record in competitions to qualify under Category A for the Asian Games but it did not materialise.

“I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to clock a better time in the Asian Games.

The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) will fund Khairul’s expenses for the Asiad under Category B.

Muhd Zulfiqar Ismail clocked a personal best of 10.40 to finish second in the Besigheimer meet while Jonathan Nyepa clocked 10.42 to finish in third place.

Pint- size sprinter Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli, who will feature in the Asian Games, won the women’s blue riband event with a time of 11.61.

The Kedahan, who has a personal best of 11.45, finished ahead of two Germany sprinters Pia Ringhoffer ( 12.26) and Sarah Kramer (12.44).

National coach M. Balamurugan said that he is confident that Khairul would be in top form for the Asian Games.

“He has clocked a season-best of 10.28 and I am sure he will be able to clock better time in the Games,” said Balamurugan.