PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has led national tributes to track cycling star Azizulhasni Awang after he powered to gold in the men’s keirin at the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Nilai, marking a standout victory on home ground.
In a message posted on Facebook, Anwar said Malaysians were proud of the achievement delivered by the rider widely known as “The Pocket Rocketman”.
"Congratulations to Datuk Azizulhasni Awang on this splendid success. Malaysians are proud of this achievement," he said.
Azizulhasni, 38, produced a commanding performance to defeat reigning world champion Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands, who finished second, while Nicholas Paul of Trinidad and Tobago took third place.
The triumph further cements Azizulhasni’s reputation as one of the sport’s leading figures and builds on his momentum this season, having already won the same event at the World Cup round in Perth in March.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist’s latest success is expected to boost Malaysia’s cycling ambitions and inspire continued development in the sport, particularly following a high-profile victory at the Velodrom Nasional. - April 26, 2026
