NILAI, Jun 10 — Johor cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom denied a great challenge from track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang to win the men’s elite keirin event at the 2026 National Track Cycling Championships here, today.
Although Mohd Azizulhasni tried to make a last-minute move, Muhammad Shah Firdaus remained calm with his cycling and crossed the finish line to grab gold in the competition held at the National Velodrome
Mohd Azizulhasni, representing Team Azizul, won silver while the bronze went to Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis from Selangor.
Muhammad Shah Firdaus said he only accelerated in the final lap and was relieved to be able to block Mohd Azizulhasni’s advance, thus returning to the top of the podium after last winning the national championship in the 2022 edition.
“For the first two laps I maintained my speed, but when the bell rang I accelerated to full speed. Alhamdulillah I managed to get number one,” he told reporters after the race.
Meanwhile, Mohd Azizulhasni accepted Muhammad Shah Firdaus’ excellence despite giving his all in the final race of his favourite event.
The silver medalist in the men’s keirin at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the same time congratulated Muhammad Shah Firdaus and was happy to see his opponent regaining his rhythm ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, while the 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4.
Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri proved her dominance in the elite women’s keirin event to bring home gold for Kedah.
Nurul Izzah Izzati defeated Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid from Johor who took silver and Team Cahya Mata rider Anis Amira Rosidi had to settle for bronze.
Nurul Izzah, who is satisfied with today’s success, hopes to maintain the momentum to compete in tomorrow’s sprint event.
The four-day tournament, which began yesterday, ends this Friday.
— BERNAMA