Rakibul wins prestigious Powerman Duathlon in Malaysia

Bangladesh's Rakibul Islam, a national cycling champion, won Powerman Duathlon Asia Championship 2022 in Putrajaya today.

In the age category of 30 to 34 years, Rakibul was a cut above the rest in the event -- that required cycling for 30 kilometres sandwiched between five kilometres of running. 

"I am very excited to set my country's flag high," Rakibul told The Daily Star over phone after winning the championship today.

Rakibul stands on the podium as the winner of Poweman Duathlon Asia Championship 2022. Photo: Collected

"When other sports suffer, we proudly suffer to raise our flag high," Rakibul added. 

Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. sponsored Rakib, who is a former pharmacist, in the Powerman Duathlon Asia Championship. Earlier this year, Rakibul Islam bagged gold in 30 km individual time trial event at the 41st National Cycling Championship. 

Previously, as a duathlon athlete, he became champion at the Delhi International Triathlon in 2016 and Dhaka Challenge Duathlon, and also stood second at the Powerman Indonesia in 2019 after becoming fourth at the same competition's age category. 

Around 4,400 athletes from over 35 countries had registered for this year's event, which is recognised by the International Triathlon Union (ITU). Moreover, Powerman Malaysia has achieved the prestigious title of the world's largest duathlon, surpassing the London Duathlon.

There are categories for kids and teens, named as Power Kids and Power Teens, respectively, and their corresponding events took place on Saturday. Nameer, Auritro, Arwan, and Nusaiba are involved in both categories, informed the manager of the kids' team, Drabir Alam.    

"We are encouraging kids and teens to follow sports as a powerful tool to display country's flags worldwide," said Drabir.