Schoolgirl Yu, 13, fastest again in bid for third Asian Games gold

KUALA LUMPUR - Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira had previously lost to some of the drivers he faced at the Asian Games. However, on Wednesday, he emerged victorious, securing Malaysia's first esports gold at the continental showcase. The 27-year-old clinched the Gran Turismo 7 event at Aichi Sky Expo with a remarkable 36 points, marking Malaysia's second gold medal.

Taj Izrin expressed the significance of this victory, noting that he had previously lost to some of the same drivers he defeated today. They are well-known figures in the racing world, having competed in the World Series.

After finishing second in the first two races, Taj Izrin claimed victory in the final, which doubled in points, to finish 11 points ahead of Saudi Arabia's Naif Abdulhakim Alfaleh and South Korea's Kim Young Chan. The Malaysia esports athlete emphasized that winning the gold medal was his and his coach's initial objective, although they did not anticipate it to be a gold medal.

Preparing for this competition proved challenging for Taj Izrin. He admitted to practicing fewer semi-final races and making errors while adapting to different vehicles. To overcome these obstacles, his team brought a simulator to their hotel, enabling him to continue practicing despite the limited hotel Wi-Fi. The support of his coach, former Formula One driver Alex Yoong, was instrumental in Taj Izrin's success.

Coach Yoong advised him to remain composed during tense moments and taught him breathing techniques. Even when Taj Izrin slid to fourth or fifth positions, he endeavored to maintain composure.

Taj Izrin's racing experience in real life also played a crucial role in handling the pressure of the competition. He chose to race barefoot, a decision he claimed made him more comfortable, particularly when controlling the amount of pressure applied to the brake pedal. Malaysia's previous esports medals at the Asian Games were a silver in Arena of Valor and a bronze in Dota 2, achieved at Hangzhou in 2022.

Taj Izrin will receive RM80,000 under the National Sports Incentive Scheme and an additional RM20,000 from the Malaysia Esports Federation. He expressed that he has no specific plans for the RM100,000 but hopes to save it for his future endeavors.

Taj Izrin is set to participate in an exhibition race at the GT World Series in Singapore. He aims to qualify for the Nations Cup and Manufacturers Cup in the following year.