NILAI — Malaysia’s women’s track cyclist Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri is in prime form to secure a medal in the individual sprint event after setting a new national record at the 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships (ATC) at the National Velodrome today.
She clocked 10.685 seconds in the qualifying round, breaking her own national record of 10.709s set at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her time placed her third in the individual sprint qualification, earning her a spot in the quarter-finals.
Nurul Izzah then cruised past compatriot Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid 2-0 in the quarter-finals and will face China’s Guo Yu Fang in the semi-finals after Guo defeated Hong Kong’s Yeong Cho Yiu by the same margin.
“I didn’t expect to break my national record, especially after struggling with my performance at the President’s Cup. But I’m really proud of this result, and it gives me confidence for tomorrow’s race. I’m optimistic about winning a medal in the individual sprint,” she told reporters.
This marks the second time she has shattered a national record at ATC 2025, following her silver medal win with the women’s sprint team yesterday.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is guaranteed a medal in the men’s individual sprint event after brothers Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom progressed to the semi-finals.
Shah Firdaus overcame Thailand’s Jai Angsuthasawit 2-1 and will face Japan’s Kaiya Ota, who defeated India’s David Beckham Elkathchoongo 2-0. Ridwan advanced after beating China’s Liu Qi 2-1 and will take on Japan’s Shinji Nakano, who saw off Kang Shih Feng.
The national youth squad continued its medal streak, with Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zulfikha Razak and Dania Avriel Alviera Azif securing silver and bronze in the keirin and scratch events, respectively.
Malaysia’s para track cycling squad also delivered, winning gold in the women’s Tandem B pursuit event through Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais and helmsman Nur Fitrah Shaari (helmsman).
Compatriots Nur Suraiya Muhamad Zamri and Farina Shawati Mohd Adnan (helmsman) took bronze.
The men’s team also claimed silver in the Tandem B chase event, with Muhammad Khairul Adha Rasol and helmsman Muhammad Luqman Daniel Mohammad Roji adding to Malaysia’s medal tally. — February 22, 2025