Adib’s SUKMA Keirin Gold A Special Birthday Gift For Mother

NILAI, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Sarawak track cyclist Adib Andhar Andan created history by winning the men’s keirin gold medal at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) here today.

The 21-year-old cyclist’s triumph at the National Velodrome here not only earned Sarawak its first-ever SUKMA gold medal in the keirin event since the state began competing in the Games, but also served as a special birthday gift for his mother, Rohayu Ealhi, who celebrated her birthday on Thursday (Aug 20).

Adib described the victory as one of the most meaningful moments of his career, saying that winning a SUKMA gold medal had been one of his dreams since taking up track cycling.

"I have mixed feelings. I am happy and also emotional because I am so happy. This gold is actually a birthday gift for my mother,” he said after riding to victory, with his father watching from the stands.

Adib said he contacted his mother immediately after the race to tell her that the gold medal he won was a birthday gift for the person who had always prayed for his success.

His mother, who is from Kuching, could not attend the race, but Adib said her support and prayers always motivated him in his pursuit of success.

Adib said today's achievement was particularly meaningful after he failed to win any medal for his state when he competed in road cycling at the 2024 Sarawak SUKMA.

"This SUKMA gold is one of my dreams, and I’m very happy to be able to dedicate it to Sarawak. I started track cycling last year, and this year I have already won at SUKMA, besides competing in the World Cup and Asian Track Cycling Championships (ACC),” he said.

In today's men's keirin final, Johor's Ahmad Danial Haiqal Ahmad Rifaiee took silver while Negeri Sembilan's Muhammad Luqman Haqim Ali Badrun settled for bronze.

Meanwhile, Johor's Nur Alyssa Farid lived up to expectations by winning the women’s keirin gold medal.

-- BERNAMA