Malaysian Track Cyclist Sets New National Record, Eyes Medal in Individual Sprint Event
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 – Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, a Malaysian women’s track cyclist, is poised to make a strong bid for a medal in the individual sprint event at the 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships (ATC) after setting a new national record in the qualifying round.
Nurul Izzah recorded a time of 10.685 seconds, surpassing her own national record of 10.709 seconds set at the 2024 Paris Olympics, to finish third in the individual sprint qualification and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Kedah native faced no trouble in the quarter-finals, defeating compatriot Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals, where she will face China’s Guo Yu Fang, who defeated Hong Kong’s Yeong Cho Yiu 2-0.
"I didn’t expect to break my national record because I was struggling a little with my performance during the President’s Cup," Nurul Izzah said. "I’m really proud of my performance, and it’s given me confidence for tomorrow’s race. I’m optimistic that I will be able to contribute medals in the individual sprint event tomorrow."
This is the second time Nurul Izzah has broken the national record at ATC 2025, following the women’s sprint team’s achievement yesterday, which won a silver medal after losing to China.
Malaysian Men’s Team Also Makes Strong Showing
The Malaysian men’s team also made a strong start, with siblings Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom defeating their opponents in the quarter-finals to qualify for the semi-finals.
Muhammad Shah Firdaus will face Japan’s Kaiya Ota, who defeated India’s David Beckham Elkathchoongo 2-0, while Muhammad Ridwan will meet Shinji Nakano of Japan, who advanced after beating Kang Shih Feng.
National Youth Squad and Para Track Cycling Squad Also Excel
The national youth squad continued to excel, winning a silver and bronze medal on the second day of ATC 2025 through Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zulfikha Razak and Dania Avriel Alviera Azif in the keirin and scratch events, respectively.
The national para track cycling squad also added to their medal tally, winning a gold medal in the women’s Tandem B pursuit event through Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais, Nur Fitrah Shaari (helmsman), and Nur Suraiya Muhamad Zamri’s compatriot, Farina Shawati Mohd Adnan (helmsman), who won bronze.
Conclusion
The Malaysian team is off to a strong start at the 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships, with several athletes making a strong bid for medals. With Nurul Izzah’s new national record and the men’s team’s success in the individual sprint event, the Malaysian team is poised to make a significant impact in the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships?
The 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships is an international cycling competition held in Malaysia, featuring the best track cyclists from across Asia. - Who set a new national record in the individual sprint event?
Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, a Malaysian women’s track cyclist, set a new national record in the individual sprint event with a time of 10.685 seconds. - What is the significance of this achievement?
This achievement is significant as it marks Nurul Izzah’s second time breaking the national record at ATC 2025, following the women’s sprint team’s achievement yesterday, and gives her confidence for the individual sprint event tomorrow.