NILAI: Forty years of waiting ended with one decisive sprint as Adib Andhar Andan delivered Sarawak’s first men’s keirin gold at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) on Saturday (Aug 22).
The Kuching-born rider timed his attack to perfection at the National Velodrome, surging clear on the final lap to seal a breakthrough victory for Sarawak at SUKMA XXII Selangor 2026.
Johor’s Ahmad Danial Haiqal Ahmad Rifaiee claimed silver, while Negeri Sembilan’s Muhammad Luqman Haqim Ali Badrun completed the podium with bronze.
The triumph followed Sarawak’s maiden individual time trial gold earlier in the Games, giving the state its first two cycling gold medals in SUKMA history.
For Adib, the moment carried extra significance after leaving the home Games in 2024 without a medal.
“Alhamdulillah, this medal means a lot to me. I dedicate it to my mother, who just celebrated her birthday, and of course to Sarawak,” he said after the medal ceremony.
The 20-year-old credited training alongside national keirin icon Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang for accelerating his development.
“I took every opportunity to train with Azizulhasni. I learned a lot from him, especially his experience and technique,” he said.
The victory marked a fitting end to Adib’s SUKMA journey, but the national rider is already looking beyond the state Games.
His next targets are the SEA Games, Asian Games and, ultimately, the Olympic Games.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah witnessed the race before presenting the medals to the winners.
