PETALING JAYA: Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom ended Malaysia’s long wait for a men’s keirin gold medal at the SEA Games with a dramatic victory at the 2025 edition in Thailand, showcasing composure and raw power in a thrilling final.
Racing at the Hua Mark Velodrome, Ridwan faced intense pressure from Thailand’s Jai Angsuthasawit, the reigning Asian Games champion, who entered the race as the favourite. Despite the challenge, the Malaysian cyclist executed his race plan to perfection.
Ridwan adopted a measured approach in the early stages, conserving energy and maintaining a strong position within the pack. As the race approached its climax, he launched a decisive sprint that caught his rivals off guard, crossing the line ahead of Jai to claim the top spot.
The bronze medal went to Thailand’s Norasetthada Bunma, while Malaysian rider Muhammad Fadhil Zonis finished fourth after narrowly missing out on a podium place.
This gold medal marks Ridwan’s most significant achievement on the international stage and represents a breakthrough after several near misses in previous competitions.
The victory also carries historical significance, as the keirin event had not been featured in the last three SEA Games editions. Malaysia’s last gold in the discipline was secured by Datuk Azizulhasni Awang in 2017.
Ridwan’s performance has been widely praised as a sign of Malaysia’s continued strength in track cycling, reinforcing the country’s ability to produce world-class sprinters capable of competing at the highest levels.