Japan's Kaiya Ota shatters Asian sprint record at ACC Championships
The 33rd Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships wrapped up with record-breaking performances and fierce competition. Japan's Kaiya Ota smashed his own Asian sprint record, while China dominated the medal standings with a total of 19 podium finishes. The championships marked a historic moment as Kaiya Ota broke his own elite men's sprint record. In the qualifying round, he clocked 9.348 seconds, shaving 0.002 seconds off his previous best of 9.350, set at the Paris Olympics in August 2024. He later secured gold in the final with a time of 9.575 seconds.
Japan celebrated further success in the Madison events. Eiya Hashimoto and Kazushige Kuboki claimed the elite men's Madison title with 104 points. Meanwhile, Mizuki Ikeda and Maho Kakita took gold in the elite women's Madison, finishing with 53 points. South Korea's Hyerin Park triumphed in the women's keirin, while Yi Kuan Lin of Chinese Taipei won the men's junior keirin. The event also coincided with the ACC's 33rd foundation anniversary, celebrated on Tuesday, March 31. China topped the medal table with 13 gold and 6 silver medals. Japan followed with 4 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze, securing second place overall.
The championships showcased top-tier performances, with Kaiya Ota's record-breaking sprint standing out. China's dominance in the medal count reinforced its position as a cycling powerhouse in Asia. The event closed with athletes and officials marking the ACC's 33 years of promoting cycling across the continent.
