National Women’s Squad Shines in 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships
The national women’s squad kicked off their 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships (ATC) campaign with a bang, breaking the national record and successfully defending their silver medal in the team sprint event at the National Velodrome today.
The national trio of Anis Amira Rosidi, Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, and Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid set a new record of 48.458 seconds to defeat Taiwan (50.657s), represented by Qiu Jin Wen, Wang Sin Ting, and Chen Ching Yun, in the first round. This record eclipsed the previous mark of 49.025s set by Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan, Nurul Izzah Izzati, and Anis during the Hangzhou Asian Games in September 2023.
However, the trio had to settle for silver with a time of 49.132s after losing to Bao Shanju, Guo Yufang, and Luo Shuyan (46.990s), securing China’s third consecutive title since the 2023 edition. Japan’s Aki Sakai, Mina Sato, and Haruka Nakazawa claimed the bronze.
Junior Women’s Squad Impresses
The junior women’s team sprint squad comprising Nurul Akhma Atiqah Ahmed Haizan, Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zulfikha Razak, and Sawda Hasbullah also impressed, setting two new national records before finishing as runners-up. They initially clocked 51.710s in the qualifying round before improving it to 51.801s in the first round, defeating Taiwan’s Liu Hui Li, Liu Shang Ying, and Lo Yun Han (53.333s) to advance to the final.
Men’s Team Settlement for Bronze
The men’s team, who were defending silver medallists, settled for bronze after Mohd Akmal Nazimi Jusena, Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom, and Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis (44.033s) triumphed over India’s Rojit Singh, Esow Alben, and David Becham (44.909s) in the bronze medal decider.
Para Track Cycling Event
In the para track cycling event, Mohd Khairul Hazwan Wahab, Muhammad Khairul Adha Rasol (pilot), Nur Suraiya Muhammad Zamri, and Farina Shawati Mohd Adnan (pilot) secured gold in the mixed tandem B team sprint event with a time of 52.560s, beating Thailand’s Surachai Yokphanitchakit, Jetsada Janluang (pilot), Watcharoban Boonmalert, and Pannaray Rasee (pilot) (54.066s).
National Coach’s Outlook
Commenting on the national riders’ performances, national track cycling head coach Harnizam Basri, who initially set a modest target of three medals, is now optimistic about surpassing expectations after the senior squad secured two medals on the first day.
"We still have medal opportunities, possibly even gold, in the time trial and keirin events for both men and women. However, we anticipate stiff competition from Japan and China. For the sprint events starting tomorrow, we aim for Muhammad Shah Firdaus to perform well in the qualifiers and reach at least the quarter-finals, as he needs to conserve energy for the keirin event next week. The keirin remains an open contest, but Japan is expected to field their strongest riders (Shinji Nakano and Kaiya Ota)," he told reporters.
Conclusion
The national women’s squad’s impressive performance has set the tone for the rest of the 2025 Asian Track Cycling Championships. With two medals secured on the first day, the team is now poised to challenge for more medals in the time trial and keirin events. The men’s and para track cycling teams will also look to add to Malaysia’s medal tally in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the national women’s squad’s performance in the team sprint event?
A: The national women’s squad broke the national record and defended their silver medal with a time of 48.458 seconds.
Q: Who did the junior women’s team defeat in the first round?
A: The junior women’s team defeated Taiwan’s Liu Hui Li, Liu Shang Ying, and Lo Yun Han (53.333s) to advance to the final.
Q: What was the men’s team’s performance in the team sprint event?
A: The men’s team settled for bronze after defeating India’s Rojit Singh, Esow Alben, and David Becham (44.909s) in the bronze medal decider.
Q: Who won the gold medal in the para track cycling event?
A: Mohd Khairul Hazwan Wahab, Muhammad Khairul Adha Rasol (pilot), Nur Suraiya Muhammad Zamri, and Farina Shawati Mohd Adnan (pilot) secured gold in the mixed tandem B team sprint event.