WITH his left thigh strapped, sprinter Khairul Azmi Jantan could only finish fourth in the 200m men’s final on Wednesday (23 Aug) which denied him a sprint double after winning the 100m gold on Tuesday (22 Aug).
The 19-year-old Khairul, however, was still all smiles as he acknowledged the huge turnout of fans at the Nasional Stadium in Bukit Jalil as T. Anthony Beram of the Philippines clinched the gold in 20.84s.
The silver went to Thailand’s Jirapong Meenapra in 21.22s while Malaysia celebrated a surprise bronze through G. Aravinn Thevarr who clocked 21.26s.
Khairul was timed 21.28s for his fourth placing and he was more than happy to have “raced for my country” under any conditions and give “my best” in any competition.
“Do not ask about my injury. Only I know what injury I have but just pray for my next race which is the 4×100. You can count on me to give my best,” said the 100PLUS Ambassador.
“I’m sorry for not wanting to talk about my injury…it is a small matter. To the people of Malaysia I’m sorry I could not win the 200m. Maybe there are better things to come in other events,” he added.
Khairul was his cheerful self after the race as he hugged Aravinn and others after the race. He stopped to acknowledge the huge crowd that never stopped calling his name.
As for Aravinn, he said: “This is an unexpected (bronze) medal. I did not expect to be on the podium knowing that I am against a strong field.
“To my parents, coach Balamurugan, YB Brig Gen Khairy (Jamaluddin), National Sports Council and all others I thank them,” said Aravinn after the race.
Meanwhile, in the 200m Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli won the silver with a time of 23.64s which saw defending champion P. Veronica Shanti of Singapore beaten into third place with a time of 23.68s for the bronze.
The gold was won by Vietnam’s Le Tu Chinh who blazed to the track in 23.32s.
