KUALA LUMPUR: Sprinter Azeem Fahmi, the Asian Games bronze medallist, did not push himself hard as he ran a cool and collected race to win the men's 200m at the Innotex Open today.
The 19-year-old erased the meet record of 22.17s by clocking 21.99 to cross the finish line in first position at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
Azeem, known for his exceptional speed, started the race strongly, leading the pack before slowing down in the final 30 meters.
Despite being in the transition period of the off-season, having recently completed conditioning after the Hangzhou Asian Games in October, Azeem confidently said: "I am only 30 per cent fit, and I did not push myself in the race.
"This was my first 200m race this season, and I am happy to run in front of my fans," said Azeem, who has a personal best of 21.83.
Azeem added: "I slowed down because I want to peak at the right time next season. I only raced today to regain my momentum and feeling.
"I will start my indoor season in January before moving to outdoor races in the following month.
Azeem disclosed that he will focus on both the 100m and 200m next year.
Meanwhile, Pavithraa Devi shattered the women's javelin meet record with a throw of 39.52m en route to the gold medal despite just recovering from influenza.
The Penang-born erased the previous mark of 39.46 set by Ng Jing Xuan in 2019.
Nik Solehan Hashim (32.73m) and Nur Arfah Batrisya Irwan (29.56m) bagged the silver and bronze, respectively.
The 24-year-old Pavithraa said she had influenza three weeks ago.
"However, I still managed to smash the meet record by six metres," said Pavithraa, who finished sixth at the Phnom Penh Sea Games in May.