KUALA LUMPUR – National track cycling ace Datuk Azizulhasni Awang is currently not part of the active Road to Gold (RTG) programme, with focus now centred on his immediate competitive schedule rather than long-term Olympic planning, sources said.
Sources confirmed that Azizulhasni has been involved in the RTG programme since its inception in 2023, alongside Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis and Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri, as part of Malaysia’s long-term push towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“He has been part of the RTG programme since it was introduced, together with riders like Shah Firdaus, Fadhil and Nurul Izzah. The idea has always been to build a strong core group of riders for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle,” said the source.
However, it is understood that Azizulhasni, 38, is not currently listed in the active RTG group as he prioritises his ongoing competitive calendar this season, which includes the UCI Track World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
“At the moment, his focus is very much on his racing schedule. He has the World Cup coming up this weekend, followed by the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. Right now, he is not looking too far ahead because his immediate goal is to perform at these major competitions,” the source added.
The source stressed that it remains too early to make any definitive decisions regarding the Olympic future of the Tokyo 2020 keirin silver medallist.
“We are still in the middle of the cycle. It is too early to say anything concrete about Los Angeles 2028. After the Asian Games, there will be a clearer picture of where he stands and what direction he wants to take moving forward,” the source said.
Azizulhasni, widely regarded as Malaysia’s greatest track cyclist, has been a central figure in the nation’s sprint programme for over a decade.
He made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by winning silver in the keirin, Malaysia’s first-ever Olympic silver medal in track cycling, adding to his bronze medal at Rio 2016 in the same event.
“He has achieved almost everything in the sport for Malaysia. His experience, leadership and presence in the team are still very important, but at this stage of his career, it is also about managing workload and planning carefully for what comes next,” the source said.
The rider’s long-term involvement in the LA2028 project is expected to be revisited after his key international assignments conclude later this season, sources added. - April 16, 2026
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