Ali Ilyas Clinches Gold for Pakistan at Asian Road Cycling Championship

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Ali Ilyas successfully defended his title by securing gold in the men’s Master Open (35-39 age group) at the Asian Road Cycling Championship in Thailand. He delivered an outstanding performance in the individual time trial event.

Ilyas completed the 21.4km race in 26 minutes and 30.556 seconds, maintaining an impressive average speed of 48.44km/h. He outpaced his closest competitor, Thailand’s Narongdat Sangchai, by one minute and 14 seconds, who settled for silver. Another Thai cyclist, Thurakit Boonratanathanakorn, finished in third place with a bronze medal.

With this victory, Ilyas reaffirmed his dominance in the masters category and successfully defended his championship title.

Other Pakistani cyclists also competed in various age divisions. In the 45-49 category, Umayr Sahlan Masud secured ninth place, while Rehan Hyder claimed fifth position in the 55-59 category. Meanwhile, in the 60-64 category, Qazi Atif finished in seventh place.

Pakistani cyclists are also set to participate in the ongoing championship’s U23, men’s elite, and women’s masters’ events. Female cyclists Zainab Rizwan and Rabia Gareeb will compete in the women’s masters event on Saturday, while Yousaf will represent Pakistan in the men’s U23 race.

President of the Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), Syed Azhar Ali Shah, lauded Ali Ilyas’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for the nation.

“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 an official statement.