KUALA LUMPUR: Former national triple jumper Hakimi Ismail hopes Andre Anura Anuar will break his national record at the Asian Championships, which starts on Wednesday in Bangkok.
Standing at 1.69m, Andre, 24, is a two-time Sea Games champion and has a personal best of 16.51m.
Hakimi recorded his national mark of 16.77m when he won gold at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.
"Andre has the speed and explosive power to shine in the triple jump," said the 32-year-old Hakimi, who broke the national record twice and won three Sea Games titles.
"The triple jumper is hungry for success, and it is only a matter of time before he breaks my national mark.
"With his physique, I believe he can jump above 16.80."
Hakimi added: "He has to take every jump seriously in Bangkok and must have the self-belief that he can outdo the best triple jumpers in Asia.
"Nothing is impossible if he stays injury-free during the event," said Hakimi, who retired in 2021.
Andre, who trains under coach Ahmad Firdaus Salim, will see action in the qualifying round on Wednesday at Suphachalasai Stadium in Bangkok.
His season-best mark is 16.10, set at the Australian Open in Brisbane in April.