SEPANG, Aug 13 — National track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang plans to consider whether to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or to retire.
The “Pocket Rocketman” said he needed to sit down with his family and discuss matters before making a decision, while admitting that his coach John Beasley and his teammates had persuaded him to carry on till the next Olympics.
“After the race (in Paris), John and Shah and the team expressed hope I would consider going for LA2028, but I must sit down with my family and clear my mind.
“What happened in Paris was not a usual thing in my career, but … if I stop racing, I will still be active in sports. What’s important is if they (team) need my help, I will help,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here today.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the Road To Gold (RTG) committee will back the 36-year-old’s decision and his needs.
“I have talked to Azizul and I asked him to take time to discuss with his family first and the RTG committee will support his decision.
“As long as he wants to fight and as long as his body can race, we will provide support, so let’s give him time to think,” she said.
Azizulhasni’s participation in Paris 2024 came to an abrupt end when he was disqualified in the first heat of the men’s keirin event for overtaking the derny before it left the track at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome on Saturday.
The disqualification halted Malaysia’s hopes of securing an Olympic gold, through Azizulhasni, in what would have been his final appearance at the Games.
— Bernama
