Pakistan cyclist shines in championship, takes home gold

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Ali Ilyas clinched gold in the men’s Master Open (35-39 age group) at the Asian Road Cycling Championship in Thailand, defending his title with a commanding performance in the individual time trial event.

Ilyas completed the 21.4km course in 26 minutes, 30.556 seconds, averaging a speed of 48.44km/h. He finished one minute and 14 seconds ahead of Thailand’s Narongdat Sangchai, who secured the silver medal. Another Thai cyclist, Thurakit Boonratanathanakorn, took bronze.

The victory marks a successful title defense for Ilyas, reinforcing his dominance in the masters category.

Other Pakistani cyclists also participated in different age groups. In the 45-49 age category, Umayr Sahlan Masud finished ninth, while in the 55-59 category, Rehan Hyder took fifth place. 

Meanwhile, in the 60-64 category, Qazi Atif secured seventh place.

Pakistani cyclists will also participate in U23, men’s elite and women’s masters' category during the ongoing championship.

Pakistan’s female cyclists Zainab Rizwan and Rabia Gareeb will be in action on Saturday for women’s master event while Yousaf will be on track for men’s U23 event.

Meanwhile, President of the Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) Syed Azhar Ali Shah expressed his delight at Ali’s remarkable achievement.

"This is a moment of great honour for Pakistan's cycling community. Ilyas Ali's outstanding performance at the continental level showcases Pakistan’s growing potential in international cycling. The PCF remains committed to providing maximum opportunities for our athletes to excel on global platforms,” he said in a statement released by the PCF.