PETALING JAYA: Race walking is quietly finding its stride again in Malaysia and yesterday’s Jom Jalan with NPC 2025 at Padang Merbok showed exactly why.
What began as a simple weekend walk turned into a vibrant showcase of potential, as 420 participants - from veteran athletes to first-timers in school shoes - laced up for an event that was equal parts fitness, fun and talent spotting.
The morning buzzed with energy as participants tackled either the 10km competitive walk or the 5km fun walk, with the former featuring categories for Open Men, Open Women, boys and girls aged 13–17, and veterans aged 40 and above.
The 6.30am start did little to deter the crowd, which included journalists, weekend warriors and curious families eager to enjoy a brisk start to the day.
Organised by the National Press Club (NPC) Malaysia with support from the Federal Territories Athletics Association (FTAA), the event drew notable star power. Olympian racewalkers Anastasia Karen Raj and Yuan Yufang, Malaysia Olympian Association president Noraseela Khalid, and former national walkers Shahrulhaizy Abdul Rahman and Narinder Singh turned heads and inspired the younger participants.
For NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan, the smiles, sweat and steady footsteps were only part of the story.
He sees something bigger emerging.
"Jom Jalan with NPC 2025 provided an excellent platform for race walkers, particularly schoolchildren, to test their capabilities," said Ahirudin.
"The weather was perfect and everyone had fun. This is the second edition and we are delighted to see more walkers this year, including many schoolchildren and young kids."
From casual strollers to ambitious young speedsters, the event hinted at a new wave of racewalking talent and perhaps the next Malaysian Olympian already taking their first confident steps.
RESULTS
Open
Men's 10km: 1. Kento Akamine, 2. Afiq Zufairi Azizi, 3. Jack Kennedy, 4. Aiman Cheah Tiong, 5.
Masaki Omata.
Women's 10km: 1. Kaarthiyani, 2. Kishaalini Morgan, 3. Nurul Asshikin Ruslan, 4. Sairul Ahkma
5. Umi Kalsom.
Secondary
Boys 10km: 1. Taajwin Singh Cheng, 2. Kaveyan Jeeva, 3. Azamuddin Haris, 4. Quek Yii Kye, 5. Guru Prasahath.
Girls 10km: 1. Alyxandrea Chee Jia Xi, 2. Tee Yee Han, 3. Janice Eng Qian Ru, 4. Putri Shazwani, 5. Yap Xing Yee.
