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KUALA LUMPUR: After adding another coveted feather to his cap, the men's C4-5 1,000-metre time trial gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday, Zuhairie Ahmad Tarmizi still has unfinished business — win a Paralympic medal.
The footballer-turned-track cyclist, who set a new Games record en route to winning gold at the Izu Velodrome, wants to book his place at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics after missing the last edition.
"We will be heading to the Apeldoorn World Championships (Oct 29-Nov 1) in the Netherlands right after the Asian Games end," said Zuhairie in Japan.
"It will be an important competition for me to earn qualification points for LA 2028, so I will have to maintain my performance.
"With God's will, I hope to finish on the podium at the Paralympics. That is what I have been longing for.
"It won't be easy as I will be up against very strong riders from Great Britain, Spain and Italy, but I will give it everything I have.
"I have competed at the Paralympics before, at Tokyo 2020 but I was only able to finish fourth in my event. It was at this very same Izu Velodrome.
"I did not compete at Paris 2024 as I was unable to get a slot."
Zuhairie's journey in the sport has been a long one and he has the National Sports Council (NSC) to thank for shaping him into the world-class rider he is today.
The 36-year-old was involved in an accident in 2012 which left him with an impaired right hand.
"Initially I was a footballer but when I joined the NSC in 2013 I completely switched to cycling as I felt I had a better future in the sport. I am grateful it has gone smoothly.
"The NSC has given not only me, but also the entire para-cycling team tremendous support over the years. They have always ensured that we have what we need.
"When I think about NSC's contributions, I try my best to repay their support by winning medals for the country," he said.
Zuhairie hopes his achievements in the sport will help inspire the next generation of para-cyclists in Malaysia.
"I always try to give younger riders encouragement and support them as best as I can," he added.
"That includes my roomate here (Ahmad Rafie Mohd Jul) who is also competing in a few events at the Asian Para Games.
"I have told him to not overthink his events, just go on track and fight with everything he has."
The NSC has churned out numerous world and Paralympic champions over the years, including the likes of Ziyad Zolkefli, Ridzuan Puzi and Latif Romly.
Zuhairie still has one more event to compete in — the men's C4-5 road race on Friday — at the Asian Para Games.
He is no stranger to road racing having won his first Asian Para Games gold in the same C4-5 road race during the 2018 Indonesia edition.Paid content.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd