Kuala lumpur: "The first thing I asked when I got to the hospital was whether the doctor thought I could still compete at the Asian Games." These were the poignant words of national track cyclist Lau New Joe, following a severe crash during the men's 10-kilometre scratch race final at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games last Saturday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, New Joe arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last night, visibly emotional and tearful as he expressed his determination to recover in time for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games next month. Medical specialists have given him a "50-50" chance of returning to competition, yet New Joe remains resolute to do everything possible in his recovery.

"It all depends on how my recovery goes, and I'll do my very best to make a comeback. I really want to go (to the Asian Games) because I'm not the only one who has worked hard for this. So many people have supported me -- my coaches, the staff -- so it's not just about me," he shared.

Recalling the incident at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, New Joe mentioned losing consciousness immediately after the crash and regaining awareness only in the ambulance. "When I crashed, I couldn't remember anything. The next thing I knew, I was already in the ambulance. I blacked out immediately after the fall, and the whole race feels like a dream. I don't remember much," he explained.

He sustained injuries to his body and knee, with the most severe injury being a fractured maxilla, or upper jaw. Despite these challenges, New Joe remains focused on maintaining a positive outlook. "In a situation like this, it's easy to become negative and ask, 'Why me?' But I'm just trying my best to stay positive," he added.

During the final on Saturday, New Joe was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher and was recorded as Did Not Finish (DNF) after being involved in a crash just before the final lap, when the riders began sprinting towards the finish line.