BJSS ATHLETICS

Monday September 10, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/9/10/central/11950365&sec=central

Putra Azrul finishes second in 2,000m steeplechase in Yakutsk

IT WAS a joyful outing for youngster Putra Azrul Syazwan Azman in the Children of Asia International Sports Games in Yakutsk, Sakha Republic recently.

Putra Azrul and two others — Mohd Ammar Zakuan and Ku Amir Syazwan Ku Shariff — were Malaysia’s representatives in athletics in the Games held every four years since 1996.

The 15-year-old Putra Azrul, a Form Three student at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), won a silver in the 2,000m steeplechase. Putra Azrul clocked a personal best of 6:28.33 and finished behind Kazakhstan’s Amangos Islam, who was timed 6:22.99. In third place was Moscow’s Anufrie Nikiea on 6:28.47.

Putra Azrul certainly had reasons to be proud as he was the youngest among the 12 participants in the event. The competition was for the Under-16 age group.

Good job: Entheren (left) looking at the medal and certificate Putra Azrul for his win.

 

“I am indeed happy to return with a medal. I have to thank my coaches for their guidance,’’ said Putra Azrul.

He also took part in the 1,000m but only managed a sixth spot in a personal best of 2:36.80.

BJSS athletics coach S. Entheren, who accompanied the three athletics to the championships, said Putra Azrul was impressive in the race.

“He is basically a 800m and 1,500m runner. But in Yakutsk there were only the 1,000m and 2,000m steeplechase events. The weather was also not favourable. But he managed to overcome the odds to give a good account,’’ said Entheren.

Putra Azrul has been impressive in competitions this season. In the Milo-Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) athletics championships in Kangar, Perlis, he won golds in the 800m and 1,500m. Putra Azrul also made his presence felt in the Western Australia Little Athletics championships in Perth when he won the gold in the 800m and silver in the 1,500m.

Putra Azrul has resumed training. He is preparing for the 2013 season. There are several local and international competitions lined up. The international events are the SEA Youth athletics championships in Vietnam and the Asian Youth Games in China.

Although Mohd Ammar and Ku Amir were not on podium in Yakutsk, they also clocked personal best in their respective events. Mohd Ammar finished fourth in both the 110m and 400m hurdles. In the 110m hurdles, Mohd Ammar clocked 14.95 while in the 400m he was timed 57.06.

Ku Amir was in action in the 400m and 200m. In the one-lap race, Ku Amir clocked 50.99 and finished fourth but in the 200m he crossed the finishing line in a personal best of 23.00.