KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh has hailed Sawda Hasbullah's historic feat after securing official world record recognition for her sensational ride.

Sawda stormed to gold in the girls' 1km time trial at the Asian Championships (ACC) on Sunday, clocking 1 minute 10.818 seconds. Initially acknowledged only as an Asian junior record, the MNCF swiftly took action to ensure the International Cycling Union (UCI) recognised it as a world junior record.

Amarjit revealed that the federation wasted no time in pushing for the official confirmation.

"We completed all the formalities and wrote to the UCI to have it certified. This evening, we received confirmation that Sawda's record is now officially in the books," he said.

"This is a proud moment for Malaysian cycling.

"To have a world record under the UCI system is a historic first for the country, and it will inspire young athletes to aim higher."

Sawda's golden triumph helped erase the disappointment of missing out on a podium finish in the girls' keirin event on Saturday.

She will now set her sights on the girls' individual sprint on Monday.