Puchong: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will continue to support national track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang even though the athlete has turned professional. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari stated that the support and assistance extended to the cyclist, nicknamed 'The Pocket Rocketman', includes health and training. 'We will always be in touch with him to ensure all assistance and all forms of facilities we can provide to ensure he continues to make Malaysia proud,' he said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohammed Taufiq expressed his admiration for the cycling prowess of the two-time Olympic medalist following his victory in the men's keirin event at the International Cycling Union (UCI) Track Cycling World Cup 2026 in Perth, Australia. In addition to winning the keirin event, Mohd Azizulhasni also secured a bronze medal in the men's sprint event in Perth. The 38-year-old cyclist from Terengganu made the decision to leave the national track cycling squad and pursue a professional career in April of the previous year.

Meanwhile, Dr Mohammed Taufiq announced that KBS had allocated funds totaling RM1 million for the KBS Esports Fund (DEK) 2026 and RM500,000 for the Malaysia Esports Accelerator Programme (MEAP) 2026. DEK 2026 aims to support projects in e-sports championship and digital content development categories, while MEAP 2026 is designed to prepare local teams and players for international competitions.

Esports Integrated (ESI) chief executive officer Ahmed Faris Amir stated that his organization is committed to implementing the aspirations of DEK and MEAP through strategic collaboration with industry players, game publishers, and the private sector. ESI, an initiative under KBS, aims to develop a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive e-sports ecosystem.