KUALA LUMPUR – Rising women’s track cyclist Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri is now used to being away from her family during Aidilfitri, having spent three years abroad competing during the festival.
However, the 21-year-old told Scoop about the challenges she faced celebrating Hari Raya abroad in 2022.
Nurul Izzah was then 19 years-old when the whole national track cycling team was stranded in Wales as they could not enter Canada for a race.
“Our visas were not ready so we could not proceed with our flight to Canada. I saw on social media how everyone was happily celebrating with their family and it made me homesick.
“I admit that I was feeling down a bit and was struggling being away from my family as it was my first time celebrating without them.
“I could only take photos and then head straight to training,” said the Jitra-born sprinter from Milton when contacted.
At the same time, Nurul Izzah said that, over the years, she is now mentally prepared to compete in competitions during Hari Raya.
This year, the Asian champion will be competing in the final leg of the International Cycling Union’s Nations Cup in Milton, which starts tomorrow and ends on Sunday.
Nurul Izzah is counting on her chances and luck, as she still has a slim chance to book a spot for the Paris Olympics.
She will start her campaign in the women’s individual sprint at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre on Saturday at 10pm, Malaysian time.
The Kedahan needs to be in the top-seven in the keirin to make the trip to Paris.
“Of course, I will try my best to qualify for the Olympics; it is a big target but if it is not meant to be, I won’t be too disappointed, as the original plan for me is to make the cut at the Los Angeles 2028.
“I need to find more courage to get to the front of the pack in the keirin.
“I also need to improve my speed and recently I spent a month in Melbourne to work on that. I hope I can apply what we worked on in training during the race,” added Nurul Izzah.
In February, she had a fruitful outing at the Asian Track Cycling Championships in New Delhi, India.
Nurul Izzah won two gold medals in the keirin and 500m time trial.
She also won silver in the team sprint with Anis Amirah Rosidi and Nur Aliana Syafika Azizan.
After that, she added a bronze medal to her collection in the individual sprint. – April 11, 2024