MNCF president Amarjit Singh Gill urges a swift decision on Azizulhasni Awang’s LA28 future, citing tight timelines before the Asian Games.
THE Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) has urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the National Sports Council (NSC) to make a swift decision regarding their support for Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).
MNCF president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said a decision on the matter should not be delayed any longer since the preparation and qualifying period for LA28 is becoming more challenging, with two key events coming up – the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games from Sept 19-Oct 4 and the Track World Championships in Shanghai from Oct 14-18.
He said the MNCF respects the statement issued by Road to Gold (RTG) chief executive officer Datuk Stuart Ramalingam that a decision on the programme would only be made after the Asiad, but he feels that an exception could be considered in certain cases for the sake of national interest.
“We respect the view that the RTG decision will only be made after the Asian Games. But for every man-made policy and decision, and in certain cases, exceptions can also be made if necessary.
“In Azizulhasni’s case, time, or the lack of it, is a critical factor. We can’t wait until after the Asiad to start discussions regarding his direction, as the world meet that starts after that (Asiad) is a crucial part of his journey to qualify for LA28,” he said in a statement today.
Amarjit, who is also the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) president and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) vice-president, said the MNCF remains steadfast in its belief that Malaysia still needs Azizulhasni’s services, adding that it wants the 2020 Tokyo Olympic keirin silver medallist to continue competing at LA28.
He said the former world champion, who clinched the keirin gold medal at the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games, had proved that he could still compete and win medals at the highest level, while continuing to provide hope of being a medallist at the Olympics.
“He also needs certainty to plan his training programmes, competitions, as well as commitments with his family and sponsors.
“So, it’s not appropriate for an athlete who has given so much to the country to continue being uncertain regarding support for his next journey,” added Amarjit.
He hopes that the KBS, NSC and RTG would consider the matter and make a decision before the 2026 Asian Games begin.
“This is not about giving special treatment. This is about making a decision at the right time for the sake of national sports. If we truly want to give Azizulhasni the best opportunity to deliver the goods for Malaysia at LA28, then a decision needs to be made now,” said Amarjit.
