Taj Izrin wins Malaysia’s first Asian Games esports gold

Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira won the Gran Turismo 7 event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 23 September. The Malaysian racer finished with 36 points at Aichi Sky Expo, securing the country’s first Asian Games gold in esports.

The 27-year-old placed second in each of the opening two races before winning the third. Saudi Arabia’s Naif Abdulhakim S. Alfaleh took silver, with South Korea’s Kim Young-chan earning bronze.

A new step after Hangzhou’s silver and bronze

Malaysia’s previous Asian Games esports medals came at Hangzhou 2022, held in 2023: silver in Arena of Valor and bronze in Dota 2. Taj Izrin’s result adds gold to that record through sim racing.

Speaking to Bernama, Malaysian Esports Federation president Muhammad Naim Al Amin Saharudin credited the National Sports Council’s Podium Programme. He said GT7 was among the first esports events to receive support through it.

The wider Malaysian campaign continues

MESF entered the Games targeting at least five medals across nine esports events. Taj Izrin’s gold provides a confirmed result towards that target, while the remaining events will determine how far Malaysia’s campaign goes.