Khairul Hafiz's Feat, A Proud Moment For Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) – Sensational sprinter Khairul Hafiz Jantan has ended a 14-year wait by Malaysians when he clinched the men’s 100m gold medal in 10.38s last night, last won by Nazmizan Muhammad at the 2003 SEA Games in Vietnam. With the National Day just a week away, the 19-year-old runner from Melaka state has given Malaysians another reason to celebrate with his 100m achievement at National Stadium on Tuesday night. Also sharing the exceptional accomplishment was the country’s sprint legend and 1982 Asian Games champion Rabuan Pit who was present at the stadium to support the rise of a new generation of runners. “It is just Khairul Hafiz’s first SEA Games success and possibly there are more to come,” he added. “I met him at the SEA Games opening ceremony last Saturday and managed to give him a few words of encouragement. He is a good lad, humble, respectful of elders as well as disciplined despite after enjoying national fame. I hope he will keep these virtues,” he said when contacted by Bernama. Also in the stadium, on Tuesday night to cheer for Khairul Hafiz were other former national athletes such as Nur Herman Majid (hurdles) and Mirnawan Nawawi (hockey). Another former national sprinter Watson Nyambek who was known as The Flying Dayak said Khairul Hafiz had opened the eyes of the world on the capability of the country to produce a sprinting king. “Congratulations Khairul. I want to see him soar to greater heights such as the Olympics which I represented the country at one time,” he said. Watson’s 100m national record of 10.30s set 21 years ago was finally erased by Khairul Hafiz at the Malaysia Games in east Malaysian state Kuching last year with a time of 10.18s. In the meantime, 2003 SEA Games 100m gold medalist, Nazmizan Muhammad hoped last night’s achievement would spur Khairul Hafiz to clinch more successes at the biennial meet. “Go forth and bring us for gold medals, Khairul,” Nazmizan urged. “Continue the winning momentum as the 2018 Asian Games awaits,” he said. -- BERNAMA