Silver medallist Japan’s Watanabe Kazunari (left) and bronze medallist Malaysia’s Ng Josiah lift gold medal winner Iran’s Mohammad Daneshvarkhourram. (AFP)
Iran’s new star keirin rider earned himself a pass out of military service by snatching a surprise Asian Games cycling gold yesterday—reducing his relieved mum to tears.
At just 21 years old, Mohammad Daneshvarkhourram lined up against defending champion Azizul Awang of Malaysia and his veteran teammate Josiah Ng, but pushed across the line to win a photo finish. The university student was due to start military service after he graduates next year.
But he has earned an exemption with victory at his first ever Asiad appearance—the only gold for his country in this year’s track cycling tournament. “I called my mum afterwards and she couldn’t say anything. All I could hear was crying!” he told AFP.
Asked whether he was happy not to have to join the army, he replied: “One hundred percent.” Having risen through the junior ranks, yesterday’s win signals a coming of age for the Iranian, who is rated 235th in the world in keirin.
“I’m only 21 years old, this is my first Asian Games and I got a medal—I think I can be one of the best in the world,” he said. Japan’s Kazunari Watanabe and Malaysia’s Josiah Ng took silver and bronze after third-placed Azizul was disqualified for entering the sprinter’s lane when another rider was already there.