SEVENTEEN-year-old Mohammad Aiman Haikal Shahrudin emerged as Penang’s latest golden hero at the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor after producing a stunning performance in the men’s 10,000m race walk at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sports Centre today.
Aiman crossed the finish line in 47:28.840, smashing his previous Sukma best of 48:23 recorded at the Sarawak edition, where he had to settle for silver.
This time, there was no denying him the top step of the podium.
The victory marked a significant breakthrough for the young Penang athlete, who turned his previous silver-medal disappointment into motivation to return stronger and claim the gold.
Speaking to Buletin Mutiara, an emotional Aiman dedicated his triumph to the people who have supported him throughout his journey, especially his parents.
“This gold medal is not just for me, but for my parents, and also for my friends here and in Penang.
“This gold medal means a lot to me because I believe I won it through my parents’ prayers,” he said.
With one gold already safely in the bag, Aiman is not ready to stop.
He has set his sights on another title in the men’s 20,000m race walk, scheduled for Thursday, and believes a second gold could bring him one step closer to his biggest ambition which is to represent Malaysia at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
“I am aiming for another gold medal in the upcoming men’s 20,000m race walk on Thursday. Insya-Allah, I am confident that I can achieve it.
“If I can achieve this, I might have a chance to represent Malaysia at the upcoming SEA Games,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis