Rakibul Islam of Bangladesh finished the World Triathlon Powerman Duathlon World Championship on a high in Switzerland yesterday.

Rakibul, the first South Asian athlete to have qualified for this year's competition, finished fifth in his category (age group 30-34) and 68th overall among 204 competitors.

Rakibul took 8hrs 58m and 43 seconds to run 10 kilometres, ride 150 kilometres and then run another 30 kilometres to successfully complete the race.

Only 156 participants were able to finish the race.

"I prepared myself for the event for the last five years. I did hard work every day on the hilly terrains of Chittagong.  At least I have been able to finish the event successfully with a good ranking, competing against the best athletes of the world," Rakibul said.

"The world event was a challenge for me as I was working for an unpopular sport in Bangladesh. I believe the younger generation (who are involved with cycling and running) have entered a new era of this sport," Rakib said.

"If I get the opportunity, I want to bring glory for Bangladesh in the upcoming South Asian Games. I want to thank Bangladesh Triathlon Association, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Bangladeshi community in Switzerland," added the athlete.

Rakib also thanked Daraz Bangladesh Ltd for being the main sponsor, and co-sponsor CST Tires Bangladesh and Athletica Sports Warehouse.