The championships were the last opportunity for both of them to qualify on merit for the Games to be held next month.

Azeem, who needed to win and clock at least 10.20s to boost his rankings, had to settle for third place with a time of 10.37s in the 100m final at the Almaty Olympic Training Centre, Bernama reported.

Thai sprint champion Puripol Boonson won the race with a time of 10.23s, followed by Kayhan Ozer of Turkey, who won silver in 10.25s.

Shereen won the 400m event with a time of 52.60s, leaving behind host athletes Anna Shumilo (56.01s) and Milana Zubareva (57.80s) in second and third places, respectively. However, she failed to break her national record of 51.79s.

Azeem has to break into the top 56 while Shereen needs to be among the top 48 runners in the Olympic qualification ranking update expected to be announced on Monday to make the cut, Bernama reported.

The Malaysia Athletics Federation had previously said both their names were on the list for one wildcard entry to the Games.