Nilai: Malaysia has set a target of securing three medals at the upcoming Asian Track Cycling Championships (ATC) 2025, which will be hosted at the National Velodrome from February 21-27. National track cycling head coach, Harnizam Basri, has identified the men's and women's team sprint events and women's keirin rider Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri as key contenders for medals.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Harnizam stated, "Realistically, I am targeting just three medals, whatever the color," during a press event announcing the official broadcast host for the championships. Notably absent from this year's competition will be national track ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang. The participation of cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom remains uncertain, as he recovers from a recent knee injury.
Shah Firdaus recently received MRI results indicating that no injections are required for his injury. However, decisions are still pending on whether he will compete in both the keirin and sprint events. Despite the injury, Shah Firdaus is eager to maintain his top-10 world ranking and is prepared to compete, even if it involves riding in pain.
Shah Firdaus will compete in the men's keirin event alongside Muhammad Fadhil Mohammad Zonis and will participate in the sprint event with his brother, Muhammad Ridwan. Additionally, Muhammad Fadhil and Muhammad Ridwan will join forces with young cyclist Mohd Akmal Nazimi Jusena for the team sprint event.
Harnizam highlighted Japan as Malaysia's main competitor, anticipated to field their strongest team, while China is expected to send a younger squad this time. Meanwhile, Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill from the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) expressed confidence in the support of home fans. Despite the absence of two-time Olympic medallist Mohd Azizulhasni, Amarjit believes fans will rally behind the team, inspired by Azizulhasni's call on social media.
In the previous edition held in New Delhi, Malaysia secured two golds, two silvers, and a bronze, finishing third overall behind Japan and China. When Malaysia last hosted the championships in 2023 in Nilai, they won three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.