KUALA LUMPUR – With Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri’s triumph in the women’s elite keirin at the Asian Track Cycling Championships (ACC) in New Delhi yesterday, it is clear that size is not the main indicator to determine someone’s talent, said Datuk Azizulhasni Awang.
In an Instagram post, the Tokyo 2020 keirin silver medallist paid tribute to the 152cm-tall Nurul Izzah’s outstanding achievement yesterday.
“Nurul Izzah’s gold medal at the ACC is good news to the national track cycling team.
“This is her second Asian title in her career. ACC in New Delhi is the time and place for national cyclists to show their true potential including bagging the coveted track cyclist in Asia.
“Nurul Izzah showed amazing fighting spirit and desire to overcome all odds.
“Her triumph is a signal to the Malaysian sporting landscape that she has a bright future. Her explosive sprint yesterday also reminds everybody that someone’s size is not a true indicator in determining their talent,” said the Rio 2016 bronze medallist.
Azizulhasni also paid tribute to Anis Amira Rosidi for her bronze in keirin.
“The spirit that Anis displayed in the race to sustain a high pace until the finish line is proof of the desire that she has.
“For the record, Anis was racing with an injury and the bronze is surely a sweet achievement for her,” added Azizulhasni.
The 36-year-old did not compete in New Delhi as he is recovering from pericarditis after suffering symptoms of it during the UCI Nations Cup in Adelaide earlier this month.
Earlier at the ACC, Nurul Izzah won silver in the women’s team sprint with Anis Amira and Nur Aliana Syafika Azizan in the women’s team sprint event.
She then backed that up with a bronze in the individual sprint event on Friday.
The keirin gold is Nurul Izzah’s second Asian title after winning her favourite 500m time trial title in 2022. – February 26, 2024