KUALA LUMPUR: After the unfortunate incident of having his 100m record nullified, national sprinter Badrul Hisyam Abd Manap is determined to set a new national record in the event at the Pahang Open Athletics championships in March.
Badrul Hisyam who clocked 10.29s to pip the national record of 10.30s set by Sarawakian Watson Nyambek said he chose the domestic meet over the World Athletics Championships in the United States to set a new record so that he could gain more confidence to improve further.
“I feel there are many championships abroad and I will attend such meets after the SUKMA in Sarawak. For the time being, I will focus on local championships to crack the 17-year-old national record.
“I hope luck would be on my side this time,” he told reporters after receiving sponsorships in the form of sporting gear from Puma, here today.
The sprinter from Malacca was also appointed a Puma ambassador for one year starting today.
The Pahang Open will be the first event of the year for Badrul and he is expected to receive stiff competition from another Malacca sprinter, Khairul Hafiz Jantan.
Meanwhile, Badrul’s coach, Mohd Poad Kassim who had been coaching Badrul Hisham since he was 10, said the performance of his charge was improving since the record setting feat at the Asean Schools Sports Championships in Brunei was not recognised as a new national record due to technical errors and oversight on the part of the organisers.
“During training, Badrul Hisyam can clock up to 10.01s and his timing has been very consistent. So to enhance his confidence and performance, I will ensure he continues to compete in domestic and foreign championships,” he said.
Mohd Poad said prior to the SUKMA in Sarawak, scheduled in July, Badrul Hisyam is also scheduled to participate in the Australian Open in March and the Asian Junior Athletics Meet in June.
Badrul Hisyam’s record in Brunei was not recognised because there was no wind gauge placed at the 50-metre mark in the race and there was no photo-finish equipment--BERNAMA