Shah Firdaus said Malaysian athletes always sought to preserve the nation’s reputation at the global level, and hoped that Malaysian sports fans would do the same online.

“Whatever happens on the field or court should not become a personal issue driven by emotions. Our nation is one that constantly extends courtesy and respect, and I hope this is reflected in sports as well,” he said in an online posting.

He added that he has come to terms with the results of last night’s race, which led to his relegation to sixth place for moving towards the inside of the track when Nakano was there.

“It felt as though the world had stopped for a moment. It was heavy and painful to swallow. It felt like all my hopes and efforts were shattered when what I was working towards was right there within reach.

“It’s hard for me to rationalise what happened, but as a Muslim, I have to accept it,” he said. “God is the best planner.”

In the last lap of the men’s keirin final last night, Nakano nudged Shah Firdaus after the latter veered into his track, causing the Malaysian to brush the bike of Great Britain’s Jack Carlin resulting in all three taking a tumble just before the finish line.

Malaysians had flooded Nakano’s Instagram page with pictures of the Jalur Gemilang, as well as a handful of comments criticising the cyclist for displaying poor sportsmanship and acting unprofessionally.

Former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin also took aim at the Japanese, saying Shah Firdaus would have been on the podium if not for what he called Nakano’s “dirty nudge”.