Karachi: Pakistan’s Ali Ilyas claimed gold in the men’s Master Open (35-39 age group) at the Asian Road Cycling Championship in Thailand, successfully defending his title with an impressive performance in the individual time trial event.
Ilyas completed the 21.4 km course in 26 minutes, 30.556 seconds, averaging a speed of 48.44 km/h. He finished one minute and 14 seconds ahead of Thailand’s Narongdat Sangchai, who took home the silver medal, while another Thai cyclist, Thurakit Boonratanathanakorn, secured bronze. This victory marked a successful defense of his title, underscoring his dominance in the masters category.
Pakistani cyclists also participated in various age groups. In the 45-49 category, Umayr Sahlan Masud placed ninth, while in the 55-59 category, Rehan Hyder finished fifth. In the 60-64 category, Qazi Atif secured seventh place.
Additionally, Pakistani cyclists are competing in the U23, men’s elite, and women’s masters categories at the ongoing championship. Zainab Rizwan and Rabia Gareeb will represent Pakistan in the women’s masters event on Saturday, while Yousaf will compete in the men’s U23 event.
Syed Azhar Ali Shah, President of the Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), expressed his pride in Ilyas’ achievement.
“This is a moment of great honor for Pakistan’s cycling community. Ali Ilyas’ outstanding performance at the continental level highlights Pakistan’s growing potential in international cycling. The PCF is committed to providing our athletes with opportunities to excel on global platforms,” Shah said in a statement.
