Kuala lumpur: The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is looking into the type of support required by national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang to continue the next phase of his career, including in sports science, medical support and training. Its Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said they have sent a representative to meet the 2026 Commonwealth Games men's keirin gold medallist to discuss in greater detail the cyclist's requirements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohammed Taufiq mentioned that he has discussed with Mohd Azizulhasni regarding his plans and ongoing considerations. The cyclist is still awaiting feedback from the KBS and the National Sports Council (NSC) concerning his participation in upcoming sporting events. The recent meeting, also attended by Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) technical director John Beasley, was deemed positive, with further discussions planned before an official decision is announced.
The conversation comes in light of the MNCF's proposal for the KBS and NSC to consider re-enrolling the 38-year-old Terengganu-born cyclist in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme. This move could potentially pave the way for Mohd Azizulhasni's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA 2028). MNCF president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill had previously expressed the federation's intention to request KBS and NSC to facilitate Azizulhasni's pursuit of another Olympic appearance.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq emphasized the ministry's hope for Azizulhasni to continue competing at his best for the country, with all necessary support, including technical and other related aspects, being taken into account. Recently, Mohd Azizulhasni achieved a significant milestone by winning the men's keirin gold medal at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, Scotland, ending a 16-year wait to become a Commonwealth Games champion.
On a related note, Azizulhasni announced on August 3 that a decision regarding his potential participation in LA 2028 needs to be made before the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4. Azizulhasni was previously part of the RTG programme for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.