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Akmal focuses on team sprint for Asian Games, defers individual event plans
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Sports

Akmal focuses on team sprint for Asian Games, defers individual event plans

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Malaysian track cyclist Mohd Akmal Nazimi Jusena is prioritizing the team sprint event for the upcoming Asian Games.
  • Despite recent success in individual sprints, Akmal remains focused on the team's preparation, awaiting a teammate's recovery from injury.
  • He acknowledges the praise received for his individual performance but emphasizes his commitment to the team's goals for now.

Malaysian track cyclist Mohd Akmal Nazimi Jusena is keeping his focus squarely on the team sprint event as he prepares for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya this September. The 22-year-old rider, while gaining confidence after competing against national legend Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang in the individual sprint final at the 2026 National Track Cycling Championships, is adamant that his primary mission is to help the national team sprint squad regain its strength.

"For this year, I am still focusing on the Team Sprint for the Asian Games," Akmal stated. "We are waiting for our teammate (Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom) to recover from his injury, and then we will restart our preparations. For now, Ridwan, Fadhil, and I are solely focused on the Team Sprint."

For this year, I am still focusing on the Team Sprint for the Asian Games. We are waiting for our teammate (Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom) to recover from his injury, and then we will restart our preparations. For now, Ridwan, Fadhil, and I are solely focused on the Team Sprint.

— Mohd Akmal Nazimi JusenaAkmal explained his current focus on the team sprint event for the upcoming Asian Games.

Akmal recently captured attention by reaching the final of the individual sprint and offering strong competition to Azizulhasni. This performance earned him praise from the world champion Keirin rider, who noted Akmal's speed and significant potential. Akmal expressed pride and satisfaction with his performance, especially after finishing fourth the previous day.

Although many view him as a potential successor in individual sprint and Keirin events, Akmal is choosing not to rush his ambitions. "Of course, there are plans to move in that direction, but I want to finish this year first and focus on what is currently in front of me," he said. He also acknowledged that his experience competing against Azizulhasni opened his eyes to race tactics, and he intends to review the race footage to prepare for future challenges.

Of course, there are plans to move in that direction, but I want to finish this year first and focus on what is currently in front of me.

— Mohd Akmal Nazimi JusenaAkmal discussed his future aspirations while emphasizing his present commitment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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