Azeem’ season best of 10.11s and Shereen’s national record of 51.80s, were not enough to earn them automatic slots for the World Championships.
The qualification deadline for the world meet is on July 31 and Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) will be notified if Azeem and Shereen will receive the wild cards on August 1. The chances of qualifying via wild cards look bright for the duo.
Based on the world ranking, Azeem is currently at No. 90 and is the highest ranked Malaysian in the track events while Shereen, at No.115, is the top ranked among the women.
Six-time SEA Games men’s discus champion Irfan Shamsuddin, currently ranked No. 69, is out of running as only top 32 ranked athletes qualify for field events at the world meet.
Azeem is optimistic of qualifying for the World Championships based on his world ranking.
“I’m hoping to earn a wild card entry into the World Championships as I’m the highest ranked Malaysian in track events,” said Azeem during the meet-and-greet session with school students at SMK Putrajaya Presint 8 (1) yesterday.
