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KUALA LUMPUR — National cycling sensation Datuk Azizulhasni Awang has received the full backing of the Youth and Sports Ministry and National Sports Council (NSC) to continue his bid for qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).
The Malaysian National Cycling Federation said it had received confirmation from NSC that the national track cycling star would be among the riders tasked with accumulating Olympic qualification points in the keirin and sprint events.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari has also instructed NSC to ensure the continuity of the national track cycling athletes' qualification process for LA28, providing a clearer pathway for Azizulhasni to continue his Olympic pursuit.
The federation's president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said the decision would allow Azizulhasni to focus on the qualification campaign, which begins with the 2026 UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai, China, in October.
He said federation had already begun preparations, including discussions with NSC to understand the qualification pathway and identify the competitions Azizulhasni would need to compete in to accumulate Olympic ranking points.
"The LA28 qualification process requires careful planning from the outset, including a clear understanding of the competition pathway and the form of support needed throughout the qualification period," he said in a statement.
Amarjit said the decision by the government and NSC was important not only for Azizulhasni but also for the future of Malaysian track cycling as the country prepares for the challenges ahead of LA28.
He said the support was based on Azizulhasni's current performance, outstanding achievements and vast experience, which could also make him an important asset in guiding the country's younger riders.
"Azizulhasni has given so much to Malaysian sports and he is still capable of competing at the highest level. His experience, commitment and champion mentality remain major assets to the national track cycling programme," he said.
The 38-year-old, better known as The Pocket Rocketman, is one of Malaysia's most successful athletes.
He won a silver medal in the keirin at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a bronze at Rio 2016, while becoming world keirin champion in 2017.
His most recent Olympic appearance at Paris 2024 ended in disappointment after he was disqualified from the keirin final for a racing rules violation.
Despite the setback, Azizulhasni has remained committed to extending his career and pursuing a record fifth Olympic appearance at LA28.
Amarjit said the focus now was to ensure all parties, including the ministry NSC, the federation, coaches and the support team — worked together to provide Azizulhasni and the national track riders with the best possible preparation for LA28.
"The road to Los Angeles will not be easy, but with a clearer pathway now in place, we want to ensure Azizulhasni and our national track riders have the best possible opportunity to qualify and carry Malaysia's challenge," he said.
