NILAI, Feb 16 — Fadhil Zonis-led Malaysia want to eclipse the men’s team sprint national record which has stood for 10 years.

Fadhil and his fellow riders Shariz Efendi Shahrin and Khairil Nizam Rasol will attempt to shatter the 44.725s set by Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng and Rizal Tisin (2008 Beijing Olympics) at the Asian Championships starting at Nilai Velodrome today.

National coach John Beasley is optimistic his charges are capable of achieving the mission, having come close during the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August when they clocked 44.776s.

"We want the record. Medals are hard but I’m challenging them to step up,” said Beasley yesterday.

Sprint coach Junaidi Nasir also believes the decade-long record is within reach.

"The same boys clocked good time when they took gold at KL2017,” he said.

"They’re back to the same venue with a chance to claim what should be theirs.”

Former national rider Junaidi added podium finish will not be easy as other countries are using the competition to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Seven gold medals are at stake, including the team sprint, today.