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KUALA LUMPUR − National Sportsman Award (ASN) 2019/2020 winner Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang plans to end his glorious career as a track cyclist after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The silver and bronze medallist in the keirin event at the 2020 and 2016 Olympics respectively intends to retire after his fifth and final appearance in the prestigious multi-sports event.
“So, this year’s Commonwealth Games and Asian Games will also be my last. Therefore, I want to give both these Games my fullest attention to ensure that I perform well and create sporting history for the nation,” he said.
The 34-year-old former world champion said this in a video clip after being named Sportsman of the Year at the ASN 2019/2020, which took place here yesterday.
Azizulhasni − dubbed “The Pocket Rocketman” − apologised for not being able to attend the award ceremony due to his rigorous training schedule in Melbourne, Australia.
“I am currently undergoing active training to prepare for the Commonwealth Games, which is only 128 days away, and the Asian Games, which is 170 days away,” said Azizulhasni, who hails from Dungun, Terengganu.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham, England this July while the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China is scheduled for September.
Azizulhasni expressed his gratitude and thanked the National Sports Council, National Sports Institute, Olympic Council of Malaysia, Malaysian National Cycling Federation and the Terengganu State Sports Council for the prestigious award.
It was the fourth time the national athlete had received the award after being named the winner in 2009, 2010 and 2017.
For the record, Azizulhasni had previously hinted that he might retire after the 2024 Paris Olympics in August 2021. – Bernama, March 23, 2022