Malaysia’s men’s 4x400m team qualifies for Deaflympics final after Brazil DNF and USA, Venezuela disqualified, keeping medal hopes alive
MALAYSIA’S MEN’S 4X400M QUARTET automatically advanced to the 2025 Deaflympics final following dramatic disqualifications at Komazawa Metropolitan Stadium.
The national team finished third in their heat with a time of 3 minutes 33.94 seconds after initially placing fifth.
Brazil did not finish the race while the United States and Venezuela were both disqualified, creating an unexpected pathway to the final.
Muhammad Zumar Azman, Muhammad Shahrul Azmer Azman, Azlan Kuste and Muhammad Zamir Azman comprise the Malaysian quartet.
Only the top three from each heat plus the two fastest overall times qualify for Monday’s final.
Muhammad Shahrul Azmer expressed surprise at the team’s sudden advancement to medal contention.
“It was just a surprise but that’s okay I will still give my best and fight hard with my teammates,” he said through a sign language interpreter.
Azlan Kuste requested continuous prayers from all Malaysians for the team’s health and performance.
“I hope the 4×400 is the best, everyone’s prayers especially so that we are always healthy and a miracle happens,” he added.
The qualification maintains Malaysia’s hopes for a medal in the prestigious event for deaf athletes.
The final is scheduled for Monday at the same Tokyo venue. – Bernama
