“Jai” fought with all his heart but was narrowly defeated by Malaysia; “Seth.Muek” points out there are still chances for two final medals.
“Jai Angsuthasawit” gave his utmost effort but was overtaken by Malaysia by just the length of a wheel in the 33rd SEA Games track cycling competition. Meanwhile, “Seth.Muek” revealed there are still chances in the last two events: the men's sprint team and men's points race, where “Judah Aisyah Thompson” will compete. So far, the Thai national cycling team has secured 9 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
The 33rd SEA Games track cycling competitions at the Velodrome, Sports Authority of Thailand, Hua Mak, on 18 December featured three gold medal events: men's Keirin, women's Scratch, and men's team pursuit. The ceremony was honored by Dato Amarit Singh Gill, President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), along with “Seth.Muek” General Decha Hemkrasri, ACC Vice President, President of the ASEAN Cycling Federation (ACF), and President of the Cycling Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, accompanied by the association's executive committee.
In the men's Keirin, “TJ” Jai Angsuthasawit fought hard but was narrowly edged out by Malaysia’s Muhammad Ridwan Shahrom by just half a wheel, who claimed the gold medal. Jai took silver, while bronze went to “Nao” Pettya Thada Boonma.
In the women's Scratch race, “Bee” Lt. Col. Jutatip Maneepan, who had already won two gold medals in road events, was unable to complete a hat-trick as she finished fourth after covering 7.5 km. The gold medal was won by Malaysia’s Nur Isya Muhammad Zubir, silver by Valencia Tan from Singapore, and bronze by Agustina Delia Priyatni from Indonesia.
In the men's team pursuit, the Thai national team—comprising Police Lieutenant Thunakit Boonrattanathanakorn, Natkrit Kaewnoi, Sergeant Major Thak Kaewnoi, Puttipong Chalermsri Muang, and Pettya Warut Paekratok—competed against Malaysia. The Thai team earned silver, with Malaysia taking gold. As of 18 December, the Thai cycling team’s medal tally stands at 9 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze.
After the competition, General Decha said the Thai athletes earned 2 silver and 1 bronze medals today but acknowledged that the athletes still need much improvement. He emphasized that the velodrome is an older-style 333.33-meter track. He has urged the government to upgrade it to the international standard 250-meter track. Without this, Thai cyclists will struggle against others. In the ASEAN region, countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines already have 250-meter tracks, and Singapore is building one. Since Thailand lacks a 250-meter international standard track, the Cycling Association has had to send athletes to train in China, renting venues and incurring travel and accommodation costs. He appealed to the new government and the Sports Authority of Thailand to support associations facing similar issues.
“Nevertheless, all athletes have performed well. Jutatip has faced tough road events for several days, so her track performance is satisfactory. Jai also fought fully. The team pursuit still requires improvements. In any sport, winning or losing depends on the competition situation. The final competition day still has two gold medals at stake: the men's sprint team with Jai Angsuthasawit, Pettya Thada Boonma, and Sergeant Major Yuenyong Phetcharat, and the men's points race with Judah Aisyah Thompson competing. We encourage cycling fans to come and support the athletes. Thank you,” General Decha concluded.
The 33rd SEA Games track cycling competition schedule for 19 December begins at 14:00 with two gold medals contested: men's points race and men's sprint team events. Admission is free for all interested spectators.