Johor: Rider Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom denied the strong challenge from track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang to top the men's elite keirin event at the 2026 National Track Cycling Championship here, today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, although Mohd Azizulhasni tried to make a last-second sprint, Muhammad Shah Firdaus remained calm with his pedaling and crossed the finish line to claim gold in the competition held at the National Velodrome. The silver medal was won by Mohd Azizulhasni representing Team Azizul, while the bronze went to Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis from Selangor.

Muhammad Shah Firdaus expressed relief after the race, stating he only sprinted in the final lap and managed to fend off Mohd Azizulhasni's advance, returning to the top of the podium after last winning the national championship in the 2022 edition. "In the first two laps I held the speed, but when the bell rang I went full gas. Alhamdulillah I managed to take number one," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Mohd Azizulhasni acknowledged Muhammad Shah Firdaus' performance, despite his own efforts in the final race of his favorite event. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic men's keirin silver medalist congratulated Muhammad Shah Firdaus and expressed satisfaction in seeing his competitor regain form ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The 2026 Commonwealth Games is scheduled for July 23 to August 2, while the 2026 Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4.

In the women's elite keirin event, Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri showcased her skills to bring home gold for Kedah. Nurul Izzah Izzati defeated Nur Alyssa Mohd Farid from Johor, who secured silver, while Team Cahya Mata Anis rider Amira Rosidi took bronze. Nurul Izzah expressed satisfaction with her performance and hopes to maintain her momentum in the upcoming sprint event.

The four-day competition, which began yesterday, will conclude on Friday.