KUALA LUMPUR: Sprinter Pengiran Aidil Auf Hajam has a dual mission at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships which starts tomorrow in Dubai.
He aims to win a medal and earn a 200m ticket to the Under-20 World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, from Aug 27-31.
The 18-year-old Sabahan has a personal best of 21.36s and the qualifying mark is 21.35.
Last year he had a memorable debut in the Asian Under-20 in Yecheon, South Korea, winning the 200m bronze in a time of 21.37.
Last month, the college student clocked 21.36 in the semi-finals at the Institution of Higher Learning 1st circuit in Ipoh. In the final, he ran 21.49 to win gold.
Coach Jumain Taepe said: "He looks to be in good form to do a personal best in Dubai. I have set a target for him to run 21.30.
"Though the competition in Dubai will be stiff, I hope he will win a medal."
Pengiran will also run in the 4x100m with Hanssen Yap, Dexter Bedie, Sayyid Amin Roslan and Aiman Najmi Anuar.
Malaysia will be represented by eight boys and three girls in Dubai.