By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 26: Sarawak has achieved a historic breakthrough in track cycling after its young athletes brought home a total of 12 medals—four gold, seven silver, and one bronze—from the Malaysia National Track Championships 2025 held recently in Johor from May 20 to 25.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed pride over the achievement during an exclusive interview with DayakDaily at his office in Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here today.
“This is the first time Sarawak has been able to make a breakthrough in track cycling, despite not having a velodrome in Sarawak.
“However, they have been undergoing training in Peninsular Malaysia throughout the year,” he said.
He commended the performance of Muhammad Daniel Hakim Zulkaisi, Afif Darwysh Mohammad Nazir and Awang Faries Danish Awang Faisal, calling them potential national athletes following their impressive results at the championships.
Daniel clinched two gold medals, one in the U19 Scratch Men Junior event and another with Afif in the Madison Men Junior team event.
Afif, meanwhile, secured three individual medals—gold in the Point Race Men Junior and Individual Pursuit 3km Men Junior, as well as bronze in the Elimination Men Junior.
The Sarawak squad also bagged seven silver medals, including four won by Awang Faries Danish Awang Faisal under the U15 category—Scratch, Elimination, 500m Time Trial, and Sprint.
Additional silver medals came from Afif in the Omnium and Scratch Men Junior, and from Daniel in the Point Race Men Junior.
Abdul Karim believes the trio have a bright future ahead, noting that they are still eligible for the next Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor.
“With their current performance, I am very confident they will make it into the national squad.
“Once they’re there, they will receive a different level of training and gain exposure to more international races,” he added.
He also acknowledged the critical role of family support in the athletes’ success.
“I have to acknowledge these athletes and the tremendous support they’re receiving from their parents. The parents are fully behind them, and that’s where you really see sports development happen—when there is strong backing from the family,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
