Malaysia’s track cycling squad delivered an impressive showing at the Japan Track Cup in Shizuoka, with Azizulhasni Awang, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri all stepping onto the podium against a strong international field.

Shah Firdaus continued his encouraging comeback from injury after clinching silver in the men’s elite keirin during Japan Track Cup I at the Izu Velodrome. The Malaysian rider finished behind Japan’s Asian Games champion Kaiya Ota, while Azizulhasni secured bronze to complete a double podium finish for Malaysia.

The result marked another positive outing for Shah Firdaus, who had recently returned to competition and claimed keirin gold at the Indonesia Track Cup the previous week.

Azizulhasni then maintained his strong form in Japan Track Cup II by adding two more medals to his tally. The two-time Olympic medallist defeated Australia’s Ryan Tayte in the men’s sprint bronze medal playoff before later upgrading his success with a silver medal in the men’s keirin.

Although Azizulhasni initially crossed the line third in the keirin final, Japan’s Kaiya Ota was relegated by race officials, promoting the Malaysian veteran to second place overall.

Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah Izzati also impressed in the women’s elite keirin by securing bronze after battling through the repechage rounds and progressing from a highly competitive semi-final lineup featuring several world-class riders.

National technical director John Beasley lauded Azizulhasni’s exceptional consistency against a highly competitive, younger international field, noting that the veteran cyclist is racing smartly even while not yet at his absolute peak.

Malaysia’s strong performances in Shizuoka underline the growing momentum of the national track cycling squad ahead of major upcoming events, including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.