Azizulhasni, who also secured bronze in the men’s sprint event yesterday, had to concede to the prowess of two Japanese cyclists, with Kaiya Ota clinching gold and Kento Yamasaki taking silver.

In today’s race, Azizulhasni’s strategy was thwarted by Ota and Yamasaki’s swift starts, sealing Japan’s one-two victory.

It was Ota’s second gold after the 24-year-old Japanese sensation also outpaced Azizulhasni in the men’s sprint event.

Another Malaysian cyclist, Shah Firdaus Sahrom, who failed to qualify for the final, finished in eighth place while rising star Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri secured seventh place in the women’s keirin event.

The top three positions were claimed by Japanese cyclists, with Mina Sato winning gold, Fuko Umekawa taking silver, and Riyi Ohta earning bronze.

This competition in Japan serves as preparation for Azizulhasni, Shah Firdaus and Nurul Izzah as they gear up for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.