Nurul Izzah steps up muscle gain plan for international season
KUALA LUMPUR: In her bid to match stronger riders on the international stage, national track cyclist Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri is now fully focused on a muscle mass building programme, aiming to reach 54 kilogrammes ahead of several major competitions this year.
The 21-year-old athlete said the dedicated programme, which began shortly after the Hari Raya celebrations, includes a strict dietary regimen, specialised protein intake, and intensive weight training.
"Everyone is now focused on helping me build muscle mass. I need to reach 54kg this year — I'm currently at 52kg. I've started following a structured meal plan and gym routine, with four sessions a week primarily targeting my legs, but with some upper body work as well," she told reporters after receiving two sports excellence awards at Universiti Malaya (UM) last night.
Nurul Izzah will next compete in the National Championships in Johor before joining a one-month training camp in Germany. Her main focus is the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Chile this October.
She received the Student Sportswoman Award (Blue Badge), which came with a RM1,500 cash prize, along with a special award for her achievements in setting a new national record at the Paris Olympic qualifiers and breaking both Asian and national records at the Asian Track Cycling Championships, earning her an additional RM10,000 incentive.
Nurul Izzah acknowledged that transitioning to a highly disciplined routine was challenging at first, but said she is now gradually adapting to the demands of her nutrition and training plan.
"It was difficult in the beginning because I had to make major changes to my lifestyle. As women, we sometimes don't eat enough. Now, I have to stay consistent and follow everything outlined by my nutritionist," said the sixth-semester Sports Science student.
Meanwhile, national 800-metre runner Wan Muhammad Fazri Wan Zahari was also honoured, receiving the Student Sportsman Award (Blue Badge). He said the recognition provides additional motivation ahead of a busy competitive season.
"My next event is the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea at the end of this month, followed by the World University Games in July and the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
"My target is to improve on my bronze medal at the Cambodia SEA Games and go for silver or gold.
"My current personal best is 1 minute 50.20 seconds, recorded at the 2024 Malaysia Open," said the final-year Sports Science student. – BERNAMA
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