No surprises as Malaysia dominate sprints
para cyclists lived up to expectations as they dominated both the men’s and women’s tandem (B) sprint events at the Para Asian Track Championships (ATC) yesterday.
World championships bronze medallists Afiq Afify Rizan and Khairul Adha Rasol left no room for drama as they wrapped up the men’s event with minimal fuss.
The duo clinched a 2-0 win over compatriots Aiman Asyraff Ahmad BajuriFaizal Mohd Noh, clocking 10.659s and 10.833s in both rounds.
Khairul Nizam Mohd Ali-Firdaus Zonis clinched bronze for a Malaysian clean sweep.
In the women’s event, Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais and Noraidillina J. Sam, who won three gold on their debut as a pair at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games last year, proved it was no fluke as they notched a comprehensive 2-0 win over compatriots Nur Syahida Tajudin and Nurul Suhada Zainal in the final.
Azlia-Noraidillina won both the first and second sprints in 12.409s and 12.305s.
With the ATC title in the bag, the duo have now set their sights on the Indonesia Para Asian Games later this year.
“Our main goal this season is to do well at the Asian Games, so to win here is definitely a good start to the year,” said pilot rider Noraidillina.
“We were only paired up last year, so I think the progress we have been making is positive.
“The goal is to keep improving and lowering our times.”
The men’s individual pursuit C1-C3 event saw Shukor Farhan Suliman and Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin taking silver and bronze respectively. Japan’s Shota Kawamoto won the gold.
The C4-C5 class of the same discipline witnessed Najib Turano clinching silver behind Iran’s Mehdi Mohammadi while Fadli Imammudin completed the podium.