GLASGOW – From the cheers and celebration after a historic gold medal feat in judo at the Scottish Event Campus judo arena to a tense moment at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, the ninth day of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games served up a roller coaster of emotions for the Malaysian contingent here, today.
Judoka Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed created a sensation by delivering the national contingent’s eighth gold medal after winning the men’s Under-81 kilogram (kg) category, thereby becoming the first Malaysian athlete to win a judo gold medal in Commonwealth Games history.
The 21-year-old exponent defeated South African Timothy Meuwsen via waza-ari using a kata-guruma technique in a four-minute final bout at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).
The success also saw Amir Daniel, ranked 117th in the world, stun Meuwsen, who sits at 41st in the world, while improving upon his under-73kg bronze medal achievement won at Birmingham 2022.
However, the contingent’s festive mood turned to anxiety at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome when track cyclist Lau New Joe was involved in a nine-rider crash as they approached the final lap of the men’s 10-kilometer (km) scratch final.
New Joe, listed as did not finish (DNF), was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital here for further checks after sustaining injuries to his mouth and teeth while complaining of knee pain. He is currently under the observation of the medical team.
Also in action at the velodrome, Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang’s challenge in the men’s sprint event ended in the quarterfinals after losing to Australian cyclist Leigh Hoffman, a day after the national cycling icon made history by claiming his maiden Commonwealth Games gold in the keirin event.
Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom was eliminated in the 1/8 final round after losing to another Australian representative, Daniel James Barber.
At Scotstoun Stadium, Muhammad Irfan Shamsuddin had a disappointing day, finishing the men’s discus throw final without a single valid mark in a competition featuring 13 athletes.
Meanwhile, world number one lawn bowls player Emma Firyana Saroji’s quest for gold in the women’s singles event fell short after she was halted in the semi-finals at the SEC.
Nevertheless, Emma Firyana still has a chance to add to the nation’s medal collection when she is scheduled to face Shae Wilson from Norfolk Island in the bronze medal playoff tomorrow.
With just a day remaining before Glasgow 2026 draws its curtain, Australia is all but certain to be crowned overall champions after amassing 65 gold, 41 silver, and 52 bronze medals, far ahead of England in second place with 26-40-35, while Canada occupies third spot with 18-20-21.
Malaysia sits in 10th place with eight gold, three silver, and three bronze medals, marking the country’s best achievement since New Delhi 2010 after surpassing the gold tallies of the Glasgow 2014 (6-7-6), Gold Coast 2018 (7-5-12), and Birmingham 2022 (7-8-8) editions. – August 2, 2026